Perak assemblyman charged with drug use

 

Pasir Bedamar assemblyman Terence Naidu (left) and his lawyer Ramkarpal Singh leaving the magistrates’ court in Bukit Mertajam, earlier today.

BUKIT MERTAJAM: A Perak assemblyman was charged with drug use at the magistrates’ court here today.

Terence Naidu, 53, was charged with committing the offence at the Seberang Perai Central police headquarters on Jan 14 at about 12.13am.

The Pasir Bedamar assemblyman tested positive for methamphetamine, which is an illegal substance under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Naidu faces a fine of not more than RM5,000 or a jail term of not more than two years.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 15 (1) (a) of the Act before magistrate Nurul Rasyidah Mohd Akit.

Deputy public prosecutor Khairul Anuar Abdul Halim requested bail to be set at RM5,000.

In response, Naidu’s counsel Ramkarpal Singh asked for a lower bail saying that his client had cooperated with police from the day of his arrest.

He also urged the court to consider the fact that he was a lawyer and an assemblyman who has to serve his constituents, adding that Naidu was not a flight risk.

Co-counsel RSN Rayer requested the magistrate to order the police not to handcuff Naidu once the bail was set as per court procedure. He also asked that his client be placed in the public gallery, not in the court holding cell.

Rayer said the court should consider the request since Naidu has been reporting to the Bukit Mertajam police diligently every month as spelt out in the police bail granted to him earlier this year.

The magistrate allowed Rayer’s requests and set RM4,000 bail with one surety. She set May 17 for case management.

In a press conference later, Ramkarpal said Naidu stood a good chance in his case, particularly because his client’s lab reports showed that he was negative for drug use. - FMT