MANJUNG: In a rare move, the family of a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) sailor who was murdered on its premises has requested that the case, which was classified as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code and carries the death penalty, be heard in the military court.
The family of Muhammad LailatuIman Mohd Sukri, 26, one of the two navy men who died in the detention unit on Sept 29, through lawyer Zalil Mohd Mess, who was conducting a watching brief, told the magistrate's court today that a letter had been submitted to the relevant authorities on the matter.
"The victim's family wishes for the case to be tried as soon as possible and expressed their hope for what we call swift justice. However, we have yet to receive any reply from the authorities," he said.
Leading Rate Mohd Izhrifikri Roslee, 29, was earlier today charged with murdering Nik Muhammad Baihaqy Nik Mat, 28, and Muhammad LailatuIman Mohd Sukri, 26, at the training field of the detention unit between 10.30am and 3.20pm on Sept 29. No plea was recorded.
LailatuIman and Muhammad Baihaqy Nik Mat, 28, died at the detention unit in Sungai Wangi, Sitiawan, on Sept 29.
Magistrate Nur Shaqira Ibrahim said the court would wait for both the reply and the reports pertaining to the case.
She set Dec 12 for mention.
Deputy public prosecutor Yusaini Amir Abd Karim pointed out that the case was under the jurisdiction of the Attorney-General.
When met outside the court, Zalil said the request was made as the case involved military personnel and the incident occurred within the gazetted premises.
"The accused and victims were from the armed forces. Should the request be allowed, it will be heard like any other murder case. The only difference is that the proceedings are done in the martial court," he said.
Section 112(4) of the Armed Forces Act 1972 states that the power of the military court includes imposing death penalty, but it could only be done through a unanimous decision.