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KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians have the right to know what constitutes “reckless driving” under the Road Transport Act 1987 after the conviction of clerk Sam Ke Ting, said Muda vice-president and lawyer Lim Wei Jiet.
“Millions of Malaysians deserve to clearly know exactly what defines ‘reckless driving’ under Act 333.
“I hope the appellate court will hear the case soon (if leave is granted) to decide if the facts of the case truly broke the law and deserving of the six-year jail term,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said the court decision in her case sets a “worrying precedent” even though the driver was trying to avoid ‘basikal lajak’ at night and was driving below the speed limit as well as free of influence.
“Many Malaysian drivers are worried that they will be in the same situation (as Sam), especially those who are working night shifts.”
He also appealed that her sentence be suspended while awaiting a decision from the Court of Appeal.
“We know of many convicted politicians who have been sentenced more than six years ago and yet remain free, to even take an overseas holiday.
“The contrast will create a negative public perception that there is a different set of laws for the rich and influential, and another for the common folk.”
Sam, 27, was sentenced on Wednesday to six years’ jail and a RM6,000 fine by a Johor Baru High Court, which overturned an earlier ruling by the magistrates’ court last October to acquit and discharge her.
She was also disqualified from driving for three years and must serve another six months in jail if she fails to pay the fine.
Since then, at least four online petitions have been initiated seeking justice and freedom for Sam, attracting more than 570,000 signatures.
Of the four petitions, one is addressed to the chief registrar of the Johor Baru High Court and another to the Court of Appeal. – The Vibes, April 15, 2022