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THE Klang Sessions Court has ordered religious preacher Azman Syah Alias, popularly known by his moniker PU Azman, to enter his defence on two charges of sexual assault against a teenage boy last year.
Judge Syafeera Mohd Said in her ruling said that the prosecution had succeeded in proving a prima facie case against the accused, who is 42.
Syafeera in giving the decision said that the court gave three options for Azman during defence proceedings set on January 12.
"The accused is given the choice of either testifying under oath from the witness stand, give unsworn testimony from the dock, or remain silent,” she said.
"If you testify under oath from the witness stand, you need to be prepared to be questioned by the public prosecutor.
“If the testimony by the accused is not under oath, it would not be strong enough because it cannot be challenged by the prosecutor and you will not be cross-examined.”
If he chose the third option to remain silent, the court would have to go ahead and convict him.
Lawyer Mohamad Zahid Ahmad who represented Azman then told the judge that he chose to testify under oath.
Deputy public prosecutor Nur’ Ayuni Jamri appeared for the prosecution.
Azman, who is also known as Cik Man, is charged with two counts of committing physical sexual assault on a 17-year-old boy at a homestay in Kampung Sungai Udang, here, at 12.15am and 1am on February 20 and June 29 last year.
The charges are framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 which provides imprisonment not exceeding 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.
Azman is also facing nine more charges related to sexual crimes he allegedly committed against teenage boys.
These comprise five charges in the Seremban Sessions Court, two cases in the Shah Alam Sessions Court and one case each in the Klang Magistrate's Court and the Ampang Sessions Court.
Dressed in a loose grey shirt and black skull cap, Azman appeared calm as he later walked accompanied by his lawyer to an MPV that was awaiting him.
The preacher smiled and waved to press photographers who called him before entering the vehicle. – The Vibes, December 26, 2023
