Published: Monday January 7, 2013 MYT 11:54:00 AM
Updated: Monday January 7, 2013 MYT 5:52:02 PM

Woman who ran amok outside PM's Department considers plea bargain

By QISHIN TARIQ

Muhdalena leaving the Putrajaya Sessions Court accompanied by her husband

PUTRAJAYA: The woman who allegedly ran amok with a samurai-sword-wielding man outside the Prime Minister's Department building in July is considering a plea bargain, the Sessions Court here was told.

Muhdalena Ahmad, 28, who was charged with committing criminal intimidation by threatening to cause grievous hurt to a policeman, was to begin her trial on Monday.

Her lawyer M. Visvanathan told the court that his client was exploring the possibility of a plea bargain, and would inform the court on the outcome on Tuesday.

"I also request that today's proceedings be postponed till tomorrow, as I am feeling rather unwell," said Visvanathan, who was heard coughing heavily in the court.

Deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh raised no objection to the postponement and asked Visvanathan to submit a written plea bargain to the Attorney-General's chambers.

Kalmizah said the prosecution had prepared 22 witnesses to testify at the proceedings, and had up to 39 witnesses to adduce, depending on the duration of the trial.

Judge Mohamed Kamil Nizam allowed the postponement but ordered counsel to inform the court ahead of time if he was unable to attend, to save the witnesses the trouble of coming to court.

Muhdalena, a graduate of the International Islamic University, faces charges of criminal intimidation and for having a sword in her possession.

On Oct 11, Muhdalena was read two additional charges under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959.

She claimed trial to disobeying an order to drop her weapon, as ordered by L/Kpl Ridzuan Megat Ahmad at a restricted area.

She also pleaded not guilty to disobeying an order by a minister by being present at the premise without having a pass card or permit issued by any authority.

The alleged offences were committed in the vicinity of Complex B of the Prime Minister's Department here at around 2.30pm on July 9.

On Nov 5, the court ruled that Muhdalena was fit to stand trial based on a medical report from Hospital Bahagia, Ulu Kinta.

However, the report by forensic psychiatric consultant Dr Rabaiah Mohd Salleh also found that Muhdalena was in the state of insanity at the time of the incident and did not know the consequences of her action.

Muhdalena and her partner Khalil Afendi shocked the country when they ran amok outside of the Prime Minister's Department.

Both were shot by the police and Khalil succumbed to his injuries at Putrajaya Hospital.

News

Published: Monday January 7, 2013 MYT 11:54:00 AMUpdated: Monday January 7, 2013 MYT 5:52:02 PM

Woman who ran amok outside PM's Department considers plea bargain

By QISHIN TARIQ

Published: Monday January 7, 2013 MYT 11:54:00 AM
Updated: Monday January 7, 2013 MYT 5:52:02 PM