Sunday August 5, 2007
Teen detained for months after failing to produce MyKad
KUALA LUMPUR: Jeff Lee Kwong Yong, 19, was charged in a magistrate’s court on Feb 5 for failing to show his identity card to policewoman Seri Ariani Mahmud for inspection at Jalan Sultan here at 3pm on Jan 31.
Charged under the National Registration Act 1959 and Regulations, Jeff faces a fine of between RM3,000 and RM20,000.
Prosecuting officer C/Insp Shamsul Akma Basiron offered him a bail of RM5,000 in one surety.
However, Magistrate Tasnim Abu Bakar granted Jeff bail at RM1,000 after considering his young age.
The teenager is currently detained in Kajang Prison and separated from the adult prisoners.
A court interpreter said Jeff’s family had failed to post bail on the day he was charged and on the following days when the case was mentioned.
His case was subsequently mentioned five times pending sentencing, which was postponed for a number of reasons.
Jeff’s aunt Connie Lee, 57, said the postponements to June 13, June 28, July 17 and now to Aug 24 had caused the mother and son deep distress.
“It’s not fair for a young person like him to be held in remand for such a long time and over such a minor offence.
“He is a Malaysian and we have documents to prove it,” she said.
Jeff’s single mother in Sabah and relatives could not afford to post bail for him, she said.
“The Government should ensure that people are not detained for such a long time for a small offence. The prison is not a conducive place for a young person,” she said.
On June 12, C/Insp Shamsul told the court that the prosecution had to check further on Jeff’s identity following a “mismatch” of his identity card number and name.
C/Insp Shamsul said the identity card number, which was initially given by Jeff, belonged to one Yazid Rahizan.
Speaking to The Star yesterday, C/Insp Shamsul said the police had no choice but to trace Jeff’s fingerprints for the purpose of his sentencing.
“We have to wait for his fingerprint report to ascertain his identity,” he said.
Besides that, he said the court wanted to hear the probation report because of Jeff’s age.
“It takes time because the welfare department officer has to interview his family members,” he said.
He said it would be helpful if Jeff’s family members could contact the welfare department to provide the particulars for his benefit.
The court has set Aug 24 for his sentencing.
Related Story:
Youths languishing in prison for minor offences
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