Yasin hopes PM would improve outdated laws

PETALING JAYA - Nasyid singer and composer Muhammad Yasin Sulaiman hopes that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will improve outdated laws which are not in line with the development and civilisation, including cases under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

When met after the proceedings of his drug case at the Sessions Court, here, he said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman would surely understand the situation since the latter had also faced such (outdated) laws.

"It is not too late for me to say congratulations to him (Anwar) on his appointment as the Prime Minister.

"He has gone through great struggles and with the power of Allah, he was finally appointed to be our leader," he said.

Yasin who was reprsented by counsel Ariff Azami Hussein said his defence team remained optimistic with the representation as it was made on grounds of humanitarian health and would be considered appropriately.

Counsel Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff who also represented Yasin said the representation submitted two months ago was complete as it covered the aspects of his client's health.

"It was supported by a report by an expert along with three other reports, so it should be considered accordingly because justice could not be delayed, instead it should be done now," he said.

Judge Nik Nasimah Nik Mohammad fixed Jan 11, next year for the decision of Yasin's representation.

This was after Ariff told the court the the defence had submitted a representation to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) on Sept 23.

However, he said the prosecution team had contacted the defence on Wednesday, to ask for more time to deliberate on the representation.

"We do not mind if the mention date for the decision on the reprsentatoon is set in three weeks," he said.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Zuhaini Mahamad Amin confirmed the matter and said he was awaiting the decision.

Previously, the court set 15 days for trial beginning March 6, next year in which a total of 10 prosecution witnesses will be called to the stand to testify.

On July 6, Yasin, 47, was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) by the magistrate's court, here, on a drug trafficking charge involving cannabis weighing about 214 grammes under Section 39B (1) (a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act which carries a death penalty, upon conviction.

This was after the prosecution decided to drop the charge against him and instead charged him with possessing 193.7 grammes of the same type of drugs under Section 39A (2) of the act, which carries a life sentence and whipping of not less than 10 times, if convicted.

His charge for cultivating 17 cannabis plants under Section 6B (1) (a) of the act at the Sessions Court maintains.

Yassin was first hauled to court on March 31.