Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Court of Appeal overturns acquittal, health officer to face sex charges
A Malaysian health officer will have to defend himself against seven charges of unnatural sex after the Court of Appeal set aside a High Court acquittal. The appellate court found the lower court had misdirected itself in law.
LSN Malaysia ·
PUTRAJAYA — The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision that acquitted a health officer of seven counts involving unnatural sexual acts, ordering him to enter his defence on all charges.
A three-judge appellate panel found that the High Court had erred in its application of law when it acquitted the officer, according to court documents. The reversal means the case will now proceed to the defence phase, where the health officer will present his side of the proceedings.
The case marks a significant development in the prosecution's efforts to pursue the charges against the officer. The appellate decision underscores differing legal interpretations between the lower and appellate benches on key evidentiary and procedural matters.
The health officer now faces the prospect of presenting evidence and witnesses to counter the charges brought against him. The Court of Appeal's intervention has effectively revived a case that appeared to have concluded at the High Court level.