PETALING JAYA: The defence in the trial of the parents of autistic child Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin will submit a representation to have the charge against them withdrawn, reports Sinar Harian.
During proceedings at a Sessions Court here on Wednesday (Sept 18), lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin, who represents the parents, said his clients would be submitting a representation requesting that the charge against them be withdrawn.
He said the representation included a request for the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) to review all the cases.
"After reviewing all the documents from the prosecution, we will submit the relevant documents to the AGC in the near future. Following that, I hope the court will set another date for the decision on the representation before the trial begins," he said.
Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh then set Dec 6 for the decision on the matter.
On June 13, the couple pleaded not guilty to a joint charge of neglecting the child, as the custodians of the six-year-old boy, in a manner likely to cause physical injury.
The offence was allegedly committed around Damansara Damai here from noon on Dec 5 until 9.55pm the following day.
The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and punishable under Section 31(1), carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
On Dec 6, Zayn Rayyan was found dead at a stream near Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai. A post-mortem found injuries on his neck and body.
During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datin Kalmizah Salleh said they had handed over three copies of documents to the defence, including a telecommunications company report, mobile phone forensic report, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings.
"We will also hand over a CD including documents related to this case, once they are completed. I request the court to set a trial date, during which we will call 15 witnesses to testify," she said, accompanied by Deputy Public Prosecutors Nurul Qistini Qamarul Abrar and Eliza Amira Habib Rahman.
The trial date was later fixed to start from January next year.
