PETALING JAYA: Nasyid composer and singer Muhammad Yasin Sulaiman today insisted he is not a drug offender but merely seeking relief from his mental illness.
Speaking to the press after today's proceedings at the Sessions Court here, Yasin said he was a victim of an outdated law.
He also voiced hope for a positive outcome from his representation with Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) to have his charges dropped.
"Looks like I have to wait three weeks to find out (about the status the application). I've tried many remedies for my bipolar (condition) and have endured many side effects (of conventional medication).
"Studies have shown that cannabis could help with a few mental illnesses, such as anxiety, and for me, cannabis helps me with my sickness. Please, take it (cannabis) off the narcotics list," he said.
A visibly gaunt Yasin, who was represented by lawyer Ariff Azami Hussein, told reporters that he had lost 5kg.
However, he said he was trying his best to maintain a healthy weight while under remand.
Yasin hoped that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would look into addressing archaic drug laws, including Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39A (2) of the same Act.
Earlier today, judge Nik Nasimah Nik Mohammad fixed Jan 11 for Yasin's case mention relating to the three drug charges. She ordered the A-GC to update the court on Yasin's representation on that day.