KOTA TINGGI: The former deputy youth chief of a political party in the Mersing district has been charged with nine counts of physical sexual assault and sodomy involving six male teenagers from 2017 to last March, Malay language daily Sinar Harian reports.
Zuraidi Mazlan, 37, claimed trial to the charges when they were read out to him before Sessions judge Haida Farizal Abu Hassan here on Tuesday (Oct 29).
He is alleged to have committed seven counts of physical sexual assault on four male teenagers aged 14, 15 and 16 by touching their bodies, hugging them and kissing their cheeks, and instructing one of the victims to perform oral sex on him, the daily reported.
The prosecution was conducted under Section 14(a) and Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to 20 years and caning upon conviction.
Additionally, Zuraidi faced two charges of engaging in intercourse against the order of nature by sodomising 14-year-old twins without their consent, according to the charge sheet.
These acts were reportedly committed at the Fishermen's Housing in Kampung Penyabong, Mersing, between early 2017 and March this year.
The charges under Section 377C of the Penal Code prescribe imprisonment of up to 20 years and caning upon conviction.
DPP Ahmad Khairuddin Khalid led the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.
Ahmad Khairuddin proposed bail of RM20,000 for each charge, with additional conditions.
Zuraidi appealed for a reduction as he had to support his 57-year-old mother, 56-year-old stepfather and a school-going child, as well as for personal health reasons.
The judge set bail at RM45,000 with additional conditions, including the surrender of Zuraidi's passport to the court, monthly reporting to the Mersing district police headquarters, and a prohibition from contacting the victims and witnesses.
The court fixed Dec 11 for next mention of the case, including document submission and appointment of counsel.
