TEMERLOH: The trial of the notorious "Rambo Bentong" was postponed for a second time yesterday after the 43-year-old appeared weak and could not utter a single word in court.Rabidin Satir, who gained the nickname for using a Rambo knife to threaten his victims, had been ordered to enter his defence on charges of raping and murdering 17-year-old Annie Kok Yin Cheng in 2009.
However, Rabidin had twice had his trial postponed as he was believed to have been suffering the effects of receiving 24 whippings for previous convictions. He is currently serving 50 years jail for rape, unnatural sex and attempted murder.
High Court judge Datuk Ab Karim Ab Rahman fixed July 4 to allow the prosecution to bring a specialist from Bentong Hospital to provide his opinion on Rabidin's health. He said although the medical report provided by the Prisons Department had given Rabidin a clean bill of health, the accused appeared frail and refused to answer any questions.
"The accused seemed to be in pain and did not give any response when ordered to make his defence under oath from the witness stand, which he had previously chosen."
Rabidin, from Kampung Libang Ulu, Tambunan in Sabah, could barely walk, and had to be aided by prison officers. On March 31, the High Court ordered Rabidin to enter his defence after the prosecution had succeeded in proving a prima facie case against him. He was charged with raping and murdering Kok at Lot 4168, Kampung Ketari, Bentong, between 11.30pm on March 7, 2009, and 1.50pm the next day.