The Court of Appeal in Putrajaya today upheld the sentence of 36 years in prison and 12 lashes for five men, including two brothers, convicted of murdering Mohammad Shahrul Anwar Dick Der, who was stabbed with a sword. The incident took place on June 21, 2017, in the wetland area of Kampong Raja, where they were sentenced after being found guilty by the Kuala Terengganu High Court.
The panel of judges consisted of three judges: Dato Azman Abdullah, Dato Hiyatal Akmal Abdul Aziz, and Dato Mohd Razi Abdul Hamid, who unanimously agreed to reject the defendants' appeal to overturn their convictions. The Supreme Court had issued its ruling on May 9, 2024.
Details of the Incident
The defendants are Aziz Amidi Aziz (32 years old) and brothers Mohammad Rizalman Ong (36 years old) and Zahaman Fairol (39 years old), along with brothers Mohammad Awais Mat Nawawi (31 years old) and Mohammad Hafizi (30 years old). They were convicted of killing the victim in a swampy area of Kampong Pengkalan Nireh, where the crime was committed between 4:40 PM and 8:30 PM.
During the court session, Judge Azman confirmed that the testimonies provided by witnesses, including a protected witness, were consistent and proved the involvement of all defendants in the murder. He also noted that the protected witness, who was hiding in nearby bushes, provided accurate details about the incident.
Background & Context
This case is one of the prominent cases in Malaysia, reflecting the rise of violence related to personal disputes. The incident occurred following a disagreement related to the burning of a motorcycle belonging to a relative of the defendants, highlighting how minor disputes can escalate into deadly violence.
Historically, Malaysia has witnessed many similar incidents that have led to escalating violence, raising concerns about public safety. This ruling reflects the government's efforts to combat these phenomena through the imposition of strict penalties.
Impact & Consequences
This case serves as a strong message about the consequences of violence, as authorities seek to deter such crimes through harsh sentences. The long prison term and lashes aim to deliver justice for the victims and reflect the Malaysian judiciary's commitment to combating crime.
The ruling may also impact Malaysian society at large, as it raises awareness about the dangers of violence and encourages peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes. These sentences are expected to contribute to a reduction in violent incidents in the future.
Regional Significance
In light of the rising violence in many Arab countries, this case could serve as an important lesson on how to address disputes peacefully. Violence only leads to more chaos and suffering, necessitating the promotion of a culture of dialogue and understanding among individuals.
This case also highlights the importance of the judicial system in protecting society from crime, which should serve as a model for Arab countries facing similar issues.