Victim’s family wants case heard in military court
MANJUNG: In a rare move, the family of a murdered Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) sailor has requested that the case be heard in a military court.
The family of Muhammad LailatuIman Mohd Sukri, 26, one of the two navy men who died in the Sungai Wangi detention unit in Sitiawan on Sept 29, through lawyer Zalil Mohd Mess, who was conducting a watching brief, informed the magistrate’s court yesterday that a letter had been submitted to the authorities.
“The victim’s family wishes for the case to be tried as soon as possible and expressed their hope for swift justice.
“However, we have yet to receive a reply from the authorities,” he said.
Leading Rate Mohd Izhrifikri Roslee, 29, was earlier charged with murdering Nik Muhammad Baihaqy Nik Mat, 28, and LailatuIman at the training field of the detention unit between 10.30am and 3.20pm on Sept 29. No plea was recorded. LailatuIman and Nik Baihaqy died at the detention unit.
Magistrate Nur Shaqira Ibrahim said the court would wait for the reply and the reports pertaining to the case.
She set Dec 12 for mention.
Deputy public prosecutor Yusaini Amir Abd Karim pointed out that the case was under the jurisdiction of the attorney-general.
Zalil said the request was made as the case involved military personnel and the incident had occurred within RMN’s gazetted premises.
“The accused and victims were from the armed forces. Should the request be allowed, it will be heard like any other murder case.
“The only difference is that the proceedings are done in the martial court,” he said.
Section 112(4) of the Armed Forces Act 1972 states that the power of the military court includes imposing the death penalty, but it can only be done through a unanimous decision.
The accused and victims were from the armed forces. Should the request be allowed, it will be heard like any other murder case. The only difference is that the proceedings are done in the martial court.
ZALIL MOHD MESS
Lawyer