SEPANG: The usually quiet courts complex was abuzz as Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain arrived to face charges of voluntarily causing hurt to two Special Branch policemen.
At the entrance, Rela personnel manning the gate held up signs informing the media and the public that parking within the court complex was prohibited, directing them to park along the roadside instead.
Shuhaily, 54, arrived at 7.30am in a dark suit, accompanied by a convoy of several cars and outriders.
Among those present in a show of solidarity was Port Klang MCBA commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal.
The entourage headed straight to the canteen, where they occupied several tables for breakfast.
When photographers gathered outside the canteen to photograph Shuhaily through the windows, he invited them to join him for breakfast, joking that he "would not have a salary after this".
Given the anticipated crowd, the proceedings, initially scheduled to be heard at the magistrate's court, were moved to a larger Sessions Court on the upper floor of the complex.
More than 10 journalists were allowed into the public gallery, while the remaining benches were occupied by Shuhaily's supporters.
A nine-member legal team, led by Datuk Rosal Azimin Ahmad, appeared for Shuhaily.
Magistrate Khairatul Animah Jelani presided over the case, which began shortly after 9am.
As Shuhaily was charged as a summoned person, he stood near the dock as the court interpreter read out the two charges against him.
Listening attentively, with his hands clasped behind his back, he told the court that he understood the charges and claimed trial.
The two charges alleged that he had voluntarily caused hurt to Lance Corporals Muhammad Ekmal Sofwan Driman, 25, and Mohamad Faiz Saman, 40, at Counter J on the fifth floor of KLIA Terminal 1 between 1.27pm and 1.35pm on Sept 28.
The charges were framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of one year, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.
During submissions on bail, Shuhaily's legal team described the case as an unusual one involving a police commissioner.
The prosecution countered that it was not unprecedented, citing the case involving former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Mohd Noor.
The tense atmosphere in the courtroom briefly eased when defence co-lawyer Kitson Foong argued that Shuhaily was not a flight risk, quipping that he was the man tasked with guarding the country's borders.
The remark drew laughter from the public gallery.
Shuhaily was also represented by lawyers Datuk Yaacob Md Sam, Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Zainal, Muhammad Rafique Rashid, Md Yunos Shariff, Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader, Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu and Dr Badruzzaman Ishak.
The proceedings lasted close to an hour, with the defence and prosecution making submissions on bail.
The prosecution sought bail of RM5,000 with one surety for each charge, arguing that the amount was reasonable and not excessive, while the defence sought Shuhaily's release on a personal bond without bail.
The court set bail at RM1,500 with one surety for each charge and ordered Shuhaily to attend future proceedings, without imposing any additional conditions.
Following the proceedings, Shuhaily was seen entering a holding room adjacent to the courtroom.
He emerged about 40 minutes later after a family friend posted bail, accompanied by his lawyers, who then held a press conference.
Earlier, before being charged, Shuhaily had told the media that he would refrain from making further comments on the case after the proceedings.
He is scheduled to return to court on Nov 25 for mention.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd