A 68-year-old retired Malaysian army officer who holds the title of Datuk has been charged with allegedly molesting a 20-year-old female golf caddie in Melaka.
Yahya Hashim was charged in court on Sep. 4 over an incident that allegedly took place on Aug. 25 at the Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club in Ayer Keroh.
According to Malaysian media reports, Yahya was accused of using criminal force against the caddie with the intention of outraging her modesty.
Yahya pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Accused Granted Bail Of RM2,500
The prosecution initially proposed bail of RM5,000 (approximately S$1,565), with the condition that Yahya must not harass the alleged victim while the case is ongoing.
His lawyer, however, asked the court to reduce the bail amount, arguing that Yahya is retired and does not have a fixed income.
The defence also told the court that Yahya lives with his wife and requires treatment for a prostate-related medical condition.
The magistrate subsequently granted bail of RM2,500 (approximately S$782).
As part of the bail conditions, Yahya was ordered not to harass the alleged victim before the case reaches a verdict.
The case will proceed through the Malaysian court system, with Yahya presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Could Face Up To 10 Years’ Jail
Under Malaysian law, a person convicted of using criminal force with the intention of outraging a person’s modesty may face imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine, caning, or any two of those punishments.
The charge against Yahya is an allegation at this stage, and the court has not found him guilty of the offence.
The case has drawn attention partly because Yahya is a retired military officer who holds the Datuk honorific, a Malaysian title conferred on individuals recognised for distinction.
The title itself does not affect the criminal proceedings, and Yahya will have to defend the charge in court.
The alleged incident took place at a golf club in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, where the 20-year-old woman was working as a golf caddie.
Further proceedings are expected as the case moves through the Malaysian courts.