PETALING JAYA – Celebrity preacher “Da’i Syed” – real name Syed Shah Iqmal Syed Mohammad Shaiful – today pleaded not guilty in separate courts to charges of committing unnatural sex and using criminal force against a private college student with the intent of outraging her modesty two months ago.
The 25-year-old accused claimed trial to both charges before sessions court judge Faiz Dziyauddin and magistrate Mohamad Ikhwan Mohd Nasir.
In the court before Faiz, the preacher was charged with committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature, against the 22-year-old woman at his rented house in Damansara Perdana here between 3am and 4am on October 17.
He faces imprisonment of up to 20 years, and liable to whipping, if found guilty, as provided for under Section 377B of the Penal Code.
Deputy public prosecutor P. Vitiya Monisha prosecuted, while the accused was represented by lawyer Syed Amirul Syed Edros.
Faiz, allowing Syed Shah Iqmal to be released on a RM20,000 bail with one surety, ordered him to report himself to the nearest police station on the first day of every month, pending disposal of the case, and to not intimidate the victim.
The court set February 19 for mention, for the submission of documents.
In the magistrates’ court, Syed Shah Iqmal was charged with using criminal force against the same woman with the intent of outraging her modesty, at the same place and date.
The charge, under Section 354 of the Penal Code, provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years, or a fine, or whipping, or any two of the punishments, upon conviction.
Magistrate Mohamad Ikhwan allowed the accused bail at RM5,000 with one surety, and ordered him to not intimidate the victim.
He set February 19 for mention.
Deputy public prosecutor Zamriah Zarifah Aris appeared for the prosecution. – Bernama, December 10, 2020
