PETALING JAYA: The sessions court has acquitted celebrity preacher Syed Shah Iqmal Syed Mohammad Shaiful, or Da’i Syed, on two counts of molesting and having unnatural intercourse with a private college student.
Deputy public prosecutor P Vitiya Monisha previously informed the court that the complainant in the case had withdrawn her police report against Da’i Syed.
“This shows the complainant is not interested in pursuing the case,” said defence lawyer Syed Amirul Syed Edros today.
“The police report, which was the basis of this case, was withdrawn by the complainant voluntarily and without any coercion or elements of bribery.”
Judge Jamaludin Mat today allowed Syed Amirul’s application to acquit Da’i Syed.
“I agree with the defence counsel’s submission and I release and acquit the accused under Section 254 (3) for both cases. The bail (of RM25,000) will be returned,” he said.
Section 254(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code grants and empowers the court to exercise its discretionary power regarding a discharge amounting to an acquittal.
On Dec 10, 2020, Da’i Syed pleaded not guilty to committing unnatural sex and outraging the modesty of a 22-year-old private college student at his rented house in Damansara Perdana here between 3am and 4am on Oct 17, 2020.
He was charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum 20-year jail term and whipping, upon conviction.
He was also charged with using criminal force on the same woman with intent to outrage her modesty at the same place and date.
The charge, under Section 354 of the Penal Code, provides for imprisonment for up to 10 years, or a fine or whipping, or any two of the punishments, upon conviction.
Met outside the court, Da’i Syed said: “Alhamdulillah, I have been acquitted of the charges. This case has affected my career, and I am thankful that it is over.”
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