KANGAR: A contractor has been charged at the magistrate's court with the murder of former national rider Elly Idzlianizar Elias.
The accused, Ibrahim Johan, 51, only nodded when the charge against him was read out before Magistrate Ana Rozana Mohd Nor.
No plea was recorded as the case comes under the High Court's purview.
Based on the charge sheet, Ibrahim is accused of murdering Elly, 40, between 10.30pm on Sept 10 and 12.01am on Sept 11 in Taman Behor Gonchar Jaya here.
He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment of 30 to 40 years.
If not sentenced to death, the accused must be given not less than 12 strokes of the cane.
Prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nabilah Ahmad Po'ad while Ibrahim was represented by Tan Yeng Sing.
Nabilah requested a suitable date for case remention pending the submission of forensic, chemical and autopsy reports. She also requested that the accused not be allowed bail.
Tan asked the court to consider bail with one surety for his client, citing his emotionally unstable state and health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
The court denied Ibrahim jail and set Dec 30 for case remention.
Meanwhile, Tan said outside court that two other suspects, one of whom is his client, will be witnesses in the case.
Earlier, Ibrahim arrived at the Kangar Court Complex under heavy security, escorted by over 10 police officers.
The accused's family, including his two wives and children, were present at the court complex.
It was previously reported that Elly died from severe slash wounds sustained during a fight with three men on Sept 10.