BUKIT MERTAJAM: Pasir Bedamar assemblyman Terence Naidu was charged at the magistrate's court here today with drug abuse which took place earlier this year.
The 53-year-old claimed trial when the charge was read to him before Magistrate Nurul Rasyidah Mohd Akit.
Terence was alleged to have administered in himself the methylenedioxymethamphetamine drugs at the Seberang Prai Selatan district police headquarters's Narcotics Criminal Investigation office about 12.13am on Jan 14, 2022.
He was charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952.
The offence carries maximum RM5,000 fine or maximum two years' jail upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Khairul Anuar asked for bail to be set at RM5,000.
Terence was represented by counsels Ramkarpal Singh and RSN Rayer.
Ramkarpal urged the court for a lower bail, saying that his client had cooperated with police from the day of his arrest and posed no flight risk.
He also urged the court to consider the fact that his client was a lawyer and an assemblyman which had to serve his constituents.
Meanwhile, Rayer urged the magistrate not to put Terence in handcuffs, as per court procedure, once the bail was set.
"I also hope that my client can be placed in the public gallery and not in the court holding cell.
"The court should consider the request since my client has been reporting to the Bukit Mertajam police monthly diligently as per conditions of his police bail granted to him in earlier this year," he said.
Nurul Rasyidah then set bail at RM4,000 with one surety.
She then set May 17 for mention pending submission of documents.
On Jan 13, it was reported that Terence was detained in Butterworth after testing positive for drugs.
The assemblyman was detained at a family karaoke outlet.
It is learnt that the restaurant used to be a nightclub and is currently operating using a family karaoke licence.
A day after news of the assemblyman went viral, Terence came out with a statement defending himself over his arrest in Penang for having allegedly tested positive for drugs.
He claimed that his drink had been spiked when he had gone to the toilet.
He subsequently lodged a police report to defend his claim upon being released from detention.
Police had assured that they would probe Terence's claim.