Published: Monday February 23, 2009 MYT 7:22:00 PM
Updated: Monday February 23, 2009 MYT 8:22:26 PM

Tian Chua’s trial postponed because of malfunction

KUALA LUMPUR: Malfunctioning air-conditioning and lights at the Magistrates Court here Monday caused the trial of PKR information chief Chua Tian Chang, who is charged with causing hurt to a policeman two years ago, to be postponed.

The problem started at 2.20pm and was not rectified when the case came up for hearing at 2.45pm after the lunch break.

With the court administration unable to say for sure when the problem could be rectified, Magistrate Faizi Che Abu decided to postpone the hearing.

“I understand some might not be comfortable in this situation,” he said before setting March 31 as the new date for the hearing.

Chua, better known as Tian Chua, 46, is alleged to have deliberately hurt the policeman at the entrance of Parliament here at 10.45pm on Dec 11, 2007.

The Member of Parliament for Batu is charged under Section 332 of the Penal Code which provides for jail up to three years or a fine or both, if convicted.

Before Faizi decided on the postponement, Deputy Public Prosecutor Ishak Mohd Yusoff had told the court that the prosecution would call eight witnesses.

Tian Chua was represented by lawyer H.C. Lai. -- Bernama