Netizens would be familiar with internet celebrity Kiang Jau Sang (江昭上). Known for being Bryan Wee’s partner-in-crime and for ‘courting’ Yang Bao Bei (YBB,杨宝贝 ), many recognise Jau Sang as the “Malaysian Wang Leehom” (大马王力宏)”.
However, Jau Sang saw fit to put aside the title for once, in light of a more serious matter. On 13th April, Jau Sang showed his full capacity as a lawyer by breaking down the ‘basikal lajak (modified bicycle)’ case from a legal point of view. His explanation left many impressed and amazed.
Jau Sang broadcasted his explanation on Facebook to reach his followers. “The road does not belong to us,” he stated seriously. “We are only sharing the road. Everybody is sharing the same road.” He began by urging people to use their common sense and be considerate of others on the road.
Then, Jau Sang approached the matter from a legal point of view. He shared that he had once dealt with a similar case involving Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333). To clarify, Section 41 involves the offence of causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Jau Sang stated this was a serious crime and was not easy to prove. He claimed there were five evidences required to prove the offence under Section 41.
Jau Sang mentioned that the defendant, Sam Ke Ting, had been wearing a seatbelt and was not under the influence of alcohol, speeding or on her mobile phone at the time of the accident. This had supposedly been proven during her earlier trials. As such, Jau Sang believed Sam had not been driving recklessly. “To prove reckless driving under Section 41, it must be 100% the drivers fault,” he stated. “It has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.”
He added that he was regretful about her conviction and was surprised she had been arrested immediately after the case. Like many others, Jau Sang hoped Sam’s appeal would be successful. Netizens were impressed by the video, with many claiming it was the reason they starting following him on his socials. However, YBB helpfully reminded netizens to use English. “He cannot read Chinese, so you guys (have to) type in English for him to understand,” she said.
Some remarked that his demeanour was very different from what they were used to seeing. “You look really professional when you’re serious,” one comment read. “Your sharing (was) on point, I really admire you so much,” another said. One netizen helpfully informed him that he should do more videos like this. “More people will support you,” they urged. “(It’s) true.” Others requested Jau Sang offer his help to Sam.
Sam (27) was sentenced on Wednesday (13th April) for causing the death of eight teens in 2017. The teenagers had been riding modified bicycles on a road in Johor at 3am when Sam’s car collided with them. Sam had previously been acquitted twice before, but the Johor Bahru High Court’s recent ruling overturned the acquittals. Sam was sentenced to six years in jail and a fine of RM6,000, effective 13th April. Additionally, she was not granted bail.
Jau Sang isn’t the only one who has spoken up about Sam’s case. Other local celebrities have been sharing their thoughts on the matter. Netizens too have banded together to urge her appeal by petitioning. So far, a total of six petitions have been started to protest Sam’s sentence. The two oldest petitions have roughly 700,000 each, and over 1.4 million in total at the time of writing. Both have been addressed to the Court of Appeal Malaysia.
Although many felt the ruling was unfair given the circumstances, some have argued Sam’s sentence was befitting of her supposed offence. The parents especially were relieved that justice could be done for their kids.
There’s no denying that the accident in 2017 was a tragic one. However, we hope a satisfactory conclusion for all parties can be achieved.
You can watch Jau Sang’s full explanation here:
