During a court session on Saturday morning, Mr Muhammad Zahier, a lawyer from Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan (YBGK), revealed that his team had spoken to all seven individuals who were arrested. The woman in question, who was one of the seven, told Mr Muhammad Zahier that she was Singaporean and 65 years old. However, her nationality could not be verified as she did not have her identity card with her. Due to YBGK’s policy of only representing Malaysian citizens, Mr Muhammad Zahier informed the court that they could not represent her, leaving her unrepresented during the court session on Saturday. The other six individuals were represented by Mr Muhammad Zahier’s team.
All seven individuals, including the unidentified woman, were ordered to be remanded for seven more days by magistrate Hidayatul Syuhada Shamsudin. The remand order was to assist investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. The decision to extend their remand indicates that the authorities believe there is sufficient reason to hold them while investigations are ongoing. The ongoing investigation and remand of the individuals suggest that the case is of a serious nature, potentially involving criminal activities that warrant further scrutiny by law enforcement.
While Mr Muhammad Zahier and his team represented the other six individuals, the 65-year-old woman remained unrepresented in court. The decision to not represent her due to her nationality highlights the limitations faced by non-profit organizations like YBGK, which may have policies restricting their assistance to citizens of specific countries. The woman’s lack of identification also underscores the importance of having proper documentation in legal proceedings. The case raises questions about the availability of legal assistance for individuals in similar situations who may not meet the criteria for representation by certain organizations.
CNA, a news organization, has chosen not to disclose the names of the individuals arrested as they have not been formally charged. This decision reflects journalistic ethics and standards that prioritize the protection of individuals’ rights and privacy until they are formally charged with a crime. By withholding the names of the arrested individuals, CNA is following established practices in reporting on legal cases to ensure fairness and due process for all parties involved. Additionally, CNA has reached out to Singapore authorities to inquire about the nationality of the 65-year-old woman, indicating a commitment to providing accurate and up-to-date information to the public.
The involvement of multiple individuals in a potential murder case, as indicated by the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code, underscores the seriousness of the situation. The decision to remand all seven individuals for an additional seven days suggests that the authorities have significant concerns about the case and require more time to gather evidence and conduct thorough investigations. The lack of legal representation for the 65-year-old woman raises broader questions about access to justice for individuals who may not meet certain criteria for legal aid. The ongoing developments in this case highlight the complexity of legal proceedings and the need for appropriate support and resources for all parties involved.
