The Shah Alam Sessions Court ordered former deputy public prosecutor Md Azar Irwan Mohd Arifin, 32, to make his defence against a charge of reducing the charges against three drug suspects two years ago.

Judge Wan Mohd Norisham Wan Yaacob made the decision after the prosecution proved a prima facie case against Md Azar.

The court fixed June 7 and 8 for Md Azar to make his defence.

He is alleged to have written an order on the investigation papers for Quah Guat Chin, Wong Kok Seng and Low Teck Seng to be charged under Section 12 (2) and Section 39A (1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 when two of the suspects could be charged under Section 39B of the same Act, which carries the mandatory death penalty.

By doing so when he was DPP, he is alleged to have tried to reduce the charges faced by the suspects.

During the hearing, 13 witnesses were called by the prosecution to testify.

He is alleged to have committed the offence between 3.15pm and 5pm on March 12, 2009 at the Selangor DPP office, Level 4, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah building in Shah Alam.

If convicted, Md Azar can be jailed for up to three years or fined, or both, under Section 218 of the Penal Code.

DPP Muhammad Sinti from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission appeared for the prosecution on behalf of Abdul Razak Musa, while Md Azar was represented by Salehuddin Saidin. 

- Bernama