KUALA LUMPUR: Two suspected members of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) accused of possessing prohibited books linked to the late founder of Al-Arqam is seeking the withdrawal of the charges against them.
Lawyer Boestamam Ahmad, who acted for housewife Aishah Bula Tajudin, 61, and catering entrepreneur Mohammad Nazif Jamluddin, 50, told two separate magistrates courts that representations will be sent to the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) soon.
Before magistrate S. Mageswary, Boestamam, appearing for Nazif, said the defence had just received documents related to the case.
"The accused is a cook who provides catering services at the alleged place of offence. A representation will be submitted to the A-GC which will explain the whole situation," he said during mention today.
Meanwhile, before magistrate Farah Nabihah Muhammad Dan, Boestamam had asked the court to exempt Aishah from today's proceedings.
"I apologise for the absence of the accused today. She is not here because she is tremendously affected by the death of her husband on Dec 18 last year.
"Her bailors, including her daughter, are in court to confirm her state.
"We have just received orders to file a representation to the A-GC to review this case and withdraw the charge against her. The books found in the premises do not belong to her. They were already there when she arrived," he said.
The magistrate allowed Aishah to be exempted today and from the next proceedings.
Both courts set Feb 19 for decision of the representation.
The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutors Muhammad Zulhilmi Latif and Amritpreet Kaur Randhawa.
In October last year, Aishah was charged with possessing 38 books of prohibited publications at 10.30am at house in Kampung Sungai Penchala on Sept 21.
Among the banned books are "Darul Arqam 25 Tahun Perjuangan Abuya Syeikh Imarn Ashaari Muhammad At-Tamimi", "Siri Terkini Era Kasih Sayang Abuya Pemimpin Kasih Sayang" and "Abuya Ashaari Muhammad Pemimpin Paling Ajaib Di Zamannya".
Nazif was accused of possessing two banned books titled "Perang Teluk Islam Akan Kembali Gemilang" and "Meruntuh Berhala di Tiongkok" at 11.30am at Ekhwan Catering on Sept 21.
The charges were framed under Section 8(1) Printing Presses and Publications Act, which provides for a maximum RM5,000 fine upon conviction.