MUAR: Former three-term Sedili assemblyman Rasman Ithnain (pic) has been freed from a charge of molesting a woman in a vehicle in June last year.
Magistrate Analia Kamaruddin said after examining the trustworthiness of the witnesses, the court found the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case against the accused.
Following the judgment, Rasman was released, and his bail was returned.
The prosecution was handled by state prosecution director Tengku Amir Zaki Tengku Abdul Rahman and deputy public prosecutor Hayatul Wirdah Mohd Yunos.
Rasman, who is also Kota Tinggi Bersatu division chief, was represented by lawyers Muhammad Mohd Nasir, Muhammad Izzad Syafiq Ismail and Mohamad Alias Rasman.
The prosecution called four witnesses during the trial.
Rasman, when met outside the court, expressed his gratitude and said that the case was a challenge for him and his family.
He was the Sedili assemblyman from 2008 until 2022. He won the seat on an Umno ticket in the 14th General Election in 2018, but later joined Bersatu.
However, Rasman was not fielded in the state election or the 15th General Election.
On June 13 of last year, Rasman pleaded not guilty to allegedly outraging the modesty of a woman in a white Toyota Vellfire while they were in Muar at around 5pm on Jan 13.
The woman’s identity was withheld by the court.
A conviction could have resulted in up to 10 years in prison and a fine, caning, or any two of the punishments.
