SIBU: A contractor company’s manager was ordered by the High Court here today to enter his defence to two respective charges of murder and causing hurt with a firearm.
In his ruling, Justice Wong Siong Tung stated that pursuant to section 180 of the Criminal Procedure and having heard submissions of both the prosecution and the accused’s counsel, the Court found that a prima facie case has been made out by the prosecution against the accused under the two charges brought against him, namely for the offences under Section 302 of the Penal Code and section 37 of the Arms Act 1960.
Tang Kee Tan, 65, was charged with committing murder by causing the death of 37-year-old Wong Soon Guan at the road side of Ulu Siew Bakong, Meradong, Bintangor on April 5, 2023 at about 1.00 am.
He thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 302 of the Penal Code which provides for a death sentence or life imprisonment, upon conviction.
The other charge stated that he had discharged an arm and caused injuries to 27-year-old Wong Soon Woung at the same place and time, without lawful excuse, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960.
Under the Act, the offence carries an imprisonment of up to two years or fine of RM5,000 or both, if convicted.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP), Mark Kenneth Netto, has submitted that in cases like this, where the evidence is wholly circumstantial, what has to be considered is not the strength of each individual’s strands of evidence but also combined strength of these strands when twisted together to make a rope.
“The real question is whether that rope is strong enough to hang the accused.
“I submit that based on the evidence presented before this Honourable Court, the answer to the earlier question is in the affirmative.
“In the upshot, I submit that a prima facie case against the accused for both charges has been proven, and hence I respectfully invite Yang Arif to order that the accused to be called upon to enter his defence,” Mark added.
Meanwhile, Tang, represented by legal counsels, Rosli Gapor and Reena Chong, has chosen to give sworn evidence in the witness’s dock.
Wong scheduled the continuation of trial on July 28.
A total of 23 prosecution witnesses were called to testify at the end of the prosecution case.
