KLANG: Celebrity preacher Azman Syah Alias, better known as PU Azman or Cik Man, has been ordered to enter his defence of sexually assaulting a teenager.
Sessions Court Judge Syafeera Mohd Said in making the ruling said the prosecution had proven all the ingredients of the charges and successfully made out a prima facie case against the accused.
Azman Syah, 42, was given three options - give his sworn evidence from the witness box; give an unsworn statement from the dock where he cannot be cross-examined or choose to remain silent, in which case the court must proceed to convict him.
The accused chose to give sworn evidence from the witness box.
Azman Syah was charged with two counts of committing physical sexual assault on a 17-year-old boy at a homestay in Kampung Sungai Udang, Klang, at 12.15am and 1am on Feb 20 and June 29, 2022, respectively.
The charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 which provides imprisonment not exceeding 20 years and whipping.
Judge Syafeera then set January 12, 2024, for mention.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur 'Ayuni Jamri appeared for the prosecution, while Azman Syah was represented by lawyer Mohamad Zahid Ahmad.
Meanwhile, Azman Syah when met after the proceedings said he believes that there is wisdom to be found in the ongoing calamity he is facing.
"I don't want to comment further, but I accept what happened. I hope that other people's prayers will make things easier (for me) and for now, just go with the flow."
Asked about his latest activities, Azman Syah said he is still active in giving ceramah with most of it in Perak.
"Although not as before, but still there with most of them in Perak. The rest, just outdoor activities such as hiking and making content (for social media)," he said.
Azman Syah also faces nine other charges; five counts at Sessions Court in Seremban, Negri Sembilan; two counts at Shah Alam Court and one count each at Klang Magistrate Court and Ampang Sessions Court respectively.