The basikal lajak case has been the topic of the week. 27-year-old Sam Ke Ting (沈可婷) was sentenced last week for causing the death of eight teenage cyclists. However, many have been wondering if the sentence for the five-year-old case is fair.
Plenty have sided with Sam, including netizens and local celebs. However, there are those who feel she deserves the sentencing, like this real estate agent. Regardless, Sam applied for leave to appeal her case and for a stay of sentence. The decision regarding her application was made today (18th April).
Sam appeared before the Court of Appeal this morning to hear the outcome of her application. According to her lawyer, they had filed an application for leave to appeal last Thursday (14th April). It had been done a day after her sentencing. Sam reportedly arrived from Johor in handcuffs and wearing a blue baju kurung. The 27-year-old was joined by her family who were seated in the public gallery.
Her hearing was chaired by Judge Ravinthran Paramagure and a three-member bench. Thankfully, it was announced that Sam was granted bail for RM10,000 in one surety. Additionally, she was also granted leave to appeal against her conviction and sentence. Her bail was granted after the deputy public prosecutor Manoj Kurup told the court that the prosecution did not have any objections.
Sam’s lawyer stated that she is not a flight risk and that Sam has never skipped a court date. Additionally, Sam reportedly attended her court hearing even when the prosecution and defense had been infected with Covid-19. However, Sam has posed six questions relating to the law which will be determined during a full hearing later. These questions include whether Sam’s unsworn statement can be accepted, whether Sam should be expected to drive responsibly while cyclists obstructed the road and whether Sam should have expected unforeseen risk at a dark and hilly road.
It is good news that Sam’s sentence has been delayed for now. However, her fight is still not over. Hopefully, justice will be served.
Sources: China Press (1)(2)(3), Free Malaysia Today, The Star
