KUALA LUMPUR – The teenager who was filmed being bathed in the manner of a corpse for attempting to steal a mosque’s donation box in Kuang has appointed a lawyer, with help from the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association.
Daniel Iskandar, 19, will be represented by Hariz Syakinah & Co in a judicial review next week.
According to the association, it was informed that the review will take place in Shah Alam High Court on Monday.
“The association refers to various versions of facts and narratives related to Daniel’s background and the said incident. In our view, it is not very healthy in terms of justice and in Daniel’s interest, nor for any linked parties to put it up on social media.
“This is especially in respect of the proceedings that will take place at the Shah Alam High Court next Monday.”
It also urged all parties to refrain from issuing statements that could be misleading until the proceedings are completed.
Yesterday, the Selayang magistrates’ court sentenced Daniel to 10 days in jail and fined RM4,000 after he pleaded guilty to attempting to steal from the Al Islahiah Mosque in an incident in Rawang on January 8.
The court also ordered the accused to serve his jail term from the date of arrest on January 9, adding that he would be jailed for another five months if he failed to pay the fine.
However, the fine has been paid in full by a Good Samaritan.
Prior to his sentencing, a video of Daniel being bathed like a corpse by mosque authorities had gone viral online, triggering public outcry against those who took matters into their own hands.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad said the action of members of the public who mete out their own punishment on individuals suspected of committing an offence is highly inappropriate.
Stressing that stealing for any reason is prohibited in Islam and offenders should be judged fairly, he said, however, the matter should be handed over to the authorities for further action.
Idris also advised members of the public, including mosque management, not to get caught up in certain sentiments or try to take their own action that would subject individuals suspected of committing an offence to cruelty.
“The act of recording people suspected of (committing offences) to be disseminated is also very inappropriate,” he said in a statement last night. – The Vibes, January 15, 2022
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