Sarawakian’s appeal against death struck out 

Kota Kinabalu: The Court of Appeal struck out an appeal by a Sarawakian man, who was appealing against his death sentence for trafficking 3,544.9gm of syabu after being informed that he had passed away.

Justices Datuk Lau Bee Lan, Dato’ Indera Mohd Sofian Tan Sri And Razak and Dato’ Lee Heng Cheong made the decision via video conferencing proceedings after being informed by Ching Siew Chiew’s counsel of his demise.

Counsel Hamid Ismail informed the court that the appellant, Ching, 57, had passed away on Oct 4, 2020.

Hamid also said that he had informed the court on the matter on Nov 4, 2020 and had attached Ching’s death certificate.

Hamid said his instruction was to withdraw the appeal.

Ching had on Jan 13, 2020 sentenced to death by the Labuan High Court after he was found guilty of committing the offence on Sept 17, 2017 in front of a taxi counter in front of the arrival hall of Labuan Airport.

He was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a mandatory death sentence on conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Azmi Mashud appeared for the prosecution as respondent.