KUALA LUMPUR: Former national wushu exponent Gjeblehim Bong Teck Fuu was sentenced to 13 years in jail and four strokes of the rotan by the Sessions Court today for sexually assaulting his 10-year-old student in 2022.
Judge Tasnim Abu Bakar denied his application for a stay of execution and ordered him to begin serving his sentence immediately.
She found him guilty of the charge at the end of defence’s case and after considering his plea for a light sentence, the prosecution’s aggravating factor and taking into account public interest.
“The accused is sentenced to 13 years’ jail and four strokes of the rotan.
“He is also ordered to undergo counselling in prison and placed under three years of police surveillance upon release,” she said.
She said Bong had sought a stay of execution, arguing that he was confident of winning his appeal at the High Court and was not a flight risk, having attended all court proceedings.
“The court found no special circumstances to warrant a stay.
“While the court has the discretion to grant one, in this case, there is no need for a stay of execution,” she said.
Bong, 34, clad in a green prison outfit and wearing a facemask, appeared calm as the judge delivered her verdict.
Bong, who is currently serving a jail sentence for a similar sexual assault offence, remained expressionless as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
Several people, believed to be his family members, seated in the public gallery, were seen sighing upon hearing the dismissal of the stay application.
Bong’s Mandarin interpreter was seen explaining to him the proceedings, as well as the aggravating and mitigation submissions before sentencing.
Bong was convicted of sexually assaulting the girl at an academy in Jalan Klang Lama on April 13, 2022.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which provides a maximum 20-year jail term and whipping upon conviction.
The charge was read with Section 16(1) of the same Act, which carries a jail term not exceeding five years and not less than two lashes if found guilty.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Nur Shakila Mohd Shariff said the accused’s action had violated the dignity and purity of the girl, leaving a deep psychological trauma.
She said child victims must be given maximum protection by the law.
“He had exploited her trust as her wushu coach, who should be a protector and a guide, but instead used her to satisfy his desire.
“The breach of power and trust warrants a heavy penalty as a deterrent to society.
“A harsh sentence must be meted out to reflect society’s hatred for sexual crimes against children, and that the justice system does not tolerate such offences.
“The court must hand down a harsh sentence as provided by the law in the interest of the victim, social justice and the overall protection of children,” she said.
Nur Shakila had also objected to the stay of execution application.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Tharamjit Singh urged the court to impose a light sentence on the accused.
In his stay application, Tharamjit said Bong had never failed to attend court proceedings and was not a flight risk.
After the proceedings, Tharamjit said he will file an appeal within 14 days.
The trial began on April 22 last year, with the testimony of eight prosecution witnesses and three defence witnesses.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
