KUALA LUMPUR: The parents of the late autistic boy, Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin, want the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) to review and withdraw the child neglect charge against them.
In June, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 29, pleaded not guilty to a joint charge of neglect that allegedly caused physical injury to their 6-year-old son.
Zayn Rayyan was reported missing before his body was found near a stream in Damansara Damai in December last year.
The couple's lawyer, Fahmi Abd Moin, confirmed that a representation was submitted to the A-GC on Nov 19.
"The representation requests the A-GC to review and withdraw the charges against my clients," Fahmi said, though he declined to provide further details.
The Petaling Jaya Sessions Court has scheduled Dec 6 to hear the decision on the representation, after Fahmi indicated they would seek a review of the charges based on documents from the prosecution.
A 15-day trial is set for Jan 20 to 25, Feb 3 to 7, and Feb 17 to 21, 2024.
The prosecution plans to call 15 witnesses to testify.
The couple is currently out on bail of RM10,000 each.
They are accused of neglecting their son between noon on Dec 5 and 9.55pm on Dec 6, 2023, in the area of Jalan PJU 10/1 in Damansara Damai.
The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, carries a maximum penalty of RM50,000 fine, up to 20 years in prison, or both, upon conviction. In addition to any punishment, the court may order the convicted person to perform community service and execute a bond for good behaviour.
Zayn Rayyan's body was discovered about 200 metres from his home by public volunteers during a search operation. An autopsy confirmed he had been killed, revealing injuries to his neck and body.