Penang Syariah High Court judge Adam Tumiran, 43, pleaded not guilty in the George Town Syariah Lower Court today to committing close proximity with Nurul Izani Md Isa at a government quarters in Penang last Dec 5.

Nurul Izani, 34, a financial adviser working in Kuala Lumpur, also pleaded not guilty to the charge before judge Nik Bukhari Hashimy Nik Yahya, who then allowed both of them to be released on bail of RM2,000 in one surety each.

He set Feb 22 for mention of the case.

Adam and Nurul Izani were charged with committing the offence at 2.05pm at house 18B, state government quarters, Jalan Masjid Negeri in Penang.

If found guilty, they could be fined an amount not exceeding RM3,000 each or a maximum of two years' imprisonment or both.

Earlier, syariah chief prosecutor Zulhairi Aziz requested that the case be transferred to the Syariah High Court as it involved a senior legal officer and to ensure justice for all parties.

Meanwhile, defence counsel Munawir Abdul Aziz requested to be allowed to submit a reply to the prosecution's application to transfer the case to the High Court.

He said the reason was that the Syariah Lower Court should also hear submissions from both parties before making its decision.

- Bernama