Retired M'sian army officer with Datuk title, 68, charged with allegedly molesting golf caddie, 20
He was granted bail.
A 68-year-old retired Malaysian army officer, Datuk Yahya Hashim, was charged on September 4 for allegedly molesting a 20-year-old golf caddie at the Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club in Ayer Keroh, Melaka on August 25. The incident involved the use of criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of the young caddie, according to Sin Chew Daily and Malay Mail.
Yahya pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail of RM2,500 (S$782) by the magistrate. The court allowed this reduced bail amount, considering Yahya's retired status and financial situation, including a prostate-related condition. Yahya's lawyer also requested the court to reduce the bail amount, arguing that the defendant had no fixed income.
However, Yahya's lawyer pointed out that the Datuk honorific is a Malaysian federal title given to individuals of great distinction. Under Malaysian law, Yahya could face up to 10 years in jail, a fine, caning, or any combination of these penalties if found guilty. The maximum penalty for the alleged offense is ten years in prison and a fine.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
