KOTA KINABALU: A man, who barged into Istana Negeri early this year to become Sabah Governor, told the Magistrate Court here on Friday (May 21) that he was acting on God's guidance.
The accused, Rio Fazzley Rahmat, who was charged for breaking into the palace and causing RM18,400 worth of damage to five doors, pleaded guilty to committing the damages.
But the 34-year-old jobless man denied that he had broken in as he had a visitor's pass.
Rio Fazzley was charged before Magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun for mischief and breaking into Istana Negeri at 1pm on Jan 21 this year.
He was charged under Section 427 of Penal Code for damaging the doors of the Istana Negeri.
For the second charge of trespassing under Section 448 of the Penal Code, he faces up to three years jail, if convicted.
According to the charge sheet, the accused was said to have damaged the five doors inside the palace and sat on a chair before he was caught by a palace staff on that day.
When the magistrate asked him why he broke into the palace, the accused said he had received God's guidance (hidayah) to go to the palace and become "TYT" (referring to Yang di-Pertua Negeri position).
The accused then showed the court some medicines in a plastic bag, claiming that he was undergoing treatment at a mental hospital.
The prosecution immediately rebutted his claims, tendering a psychiatric evaluation that the accused was fit for trial.
In another twist, Rio Fazzley then told the court that he wanted a lawyer to represent him.
Moments earlier, he pleaded for leniency in sentencing, saying that he had to look after his wife and five children.
The court fixed June 21 for the case to be re-mentioned and allowed the accused time to find a lawyer.
Kakayun also allowed a RM2,000 bail in two sureties.
