KOTA KINABALU, Oct 10 — A 27-year-old engineer who was remanded for allegedly sending death threats to counsel Datuk Ram Singh was released on police bail this morning.
Ram, the lawyer representing one of Zara Qairina Mahathir’s classmates charged with bullying her, said the suspect was released on condition that he reports to the investigating officer (IO) once a month, with his father acting as surety.“The IO told me the suspect was released on police bail and must report once a month. His father has agreed to stand as surety,” said Ram.
He said the suspect’s mobile phone would be sent for forensic analysis as all text messages had been deleted.
The next mention date for the case has been set for November 10.
“I’m not sure if he will be charged then, as the forensic analysis has yet to be completed,” Ram said.
On Wednesday, Magistrate Wan Farrah Wan Ghazali had granted a four-day remand order from October 9 to 12 after the suspect surrendered himself at the police station here on Tuesday.
The man, who is from Ipoh, Perak, was remanded to assist investigations under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment, or a fine, or both, for any act or threat that causes a person to feel disturbed, fearful or threatened.
According to Ram, the suspect is believed to have obtained his personal phone number before sending a series of threatening and insulting WhatsApp messages, including:
“Nanti mati kamu disoal Tuhan” (“You’ll be questioned by God when you die”)
“Biar kau mati katak” (“May you die miserably”), and
“Jangan sampai kami cari kau, kau mati kalau kami cari” (“Don’t make us come for you, you’ll die if we do”).
Ram said the suspect later sent him a message apologising for his actions, but he has decided to proceed with the case.
“Yes, he apologised, but I will proceed with the case and will not withdraw the police report,” he said.
