SIBU: The case of a Chinese national charged with causing the death of Sabah State Court Director, Marutin Pagan, through dangerous driving, will now be presided over by a Sessions Court judge from Kuala Lumpur.
This follows Magistrate Oon Kork Chern’s decision to recuse himself from hearing the case, citing a personal connection with the deceased.
“To ensure transparency and avoid any perception of bias, I will not preside over this matter,” he said during the pre-trial case management at the Sibu Magistrates’ Court today.
The case will now be handed over to Judge Rosli Ahmad of the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.
The court has fixed June 10 for the presentation of facts and sentencing, which will still take place under the jurisdiction of the Sibu Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, Sun Xue Song, 42, had earlier pleaded guilty to driving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) dangerously, resulting in Marutin’s death at the Kanowit roundabout around 1:00 pm on March 30.
He was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a fine of up to RM50,000, upon conviction.
Sun was ordered to remain in remand pending the next court date.
Deputy Public Prosecutor, Mark Kenneth Netto, appeared for the prosecution, while Sun was represented by counsel, Terence Tiong.
