Datuk seri in Rela case reprimanded for wearing shorts to court

A businessperson who was charged with allegedly assaulting three members of the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) last year was reprimanded by the Ampang Magistrate’s Court today for wearing shorts to court.

Magistrate Mohamad Firdaus Sadina Ali rebuked Liow Soon Hee, 29, upon seeing the man, who claimed to have the title “datuk seri”, walking into the courtroom towards the dock in shorts.

When questioned by Mohamad Firdaus whether he had no proper trousers to wear, Liow, who was clad in a grey T-shirt and wearing slippers, said he had "eczema" and had rubbed ointment prescribed by a doctor on his legs.

However, when Mohamad Firdaus requested a doctor's letter on his condition, Liow said he did not have it with him.

At today’s proceeding, deputy public prosecutor Raihanah Abdul Razak informed the court that the prosecution would submit several documents on the case to Liow’s lawyer, Farhana Abd Halim.

The court then set March 14 for a mention.

Liow had pleaded not guilty on Nov 3 last year to four charges of assaulting the three Rela members who were carrying out their duties at a temple in Kampung Baru Ampang.

On the first charge, he was accused of voluntarily causing grievous hurt to Lee Weng Poh, 27, at 6.30am on Oct 27, 2017, in the compound of the temple.

The charge, under Section 325 of the Penal Code, provides an imprisonment for up to seven years, and is liable to fine, if found guilty.

The second charge, under Section 353 of the same code, Liow was alleged to have intentionally assaulted a public servant, Melvin Cheong Mun Khai, 21, who was discharging his duties as a Rela member at the same place, date and time.

The charge provided an imprisonment for up to two years, or fine, or both if found guilty.

For the third and fourth charge, Liow was alleged to have voluntarily caused hurt to Leong Jun Jie, 21, and Melvin at the same place, time and date.

He faced an imprisonment for up top a year, or fine of up to RM2,000, or both if found guilty of the offence.

- Bernama