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PENANG’S youngest executive councillor, Fahmi Zainol, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in George Town on Friday to face a charge of domestic abuse.
The 35-year-old pleaded not guilty when the charge was read before District Magistrate Chia Huey Ting.
Fahmi, who holds the portfolio for Agriculture, Agro-Based Industries and Cooperatives in the state government, attended the proceedings alongside his lawyers, looking sombre.
The charge was framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, read with Section 326A for causing hurt to a spouse.
Offenders can face up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of RM2,000, or both. Cases of grave provocation are excluded and are addressed under Section 334.
Fahmi has reportedly apologised to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow over the family matter.
However, it remains unclear whether he can continue to serve in government, following the decision by the prosecution to proceed with the charge.
Some members of Pakatan Harapan have suggested that Fahmi be permitted to take a leave of absence while the case is resolved.
Earlier, Chief Minister Chow noted that both Fahmi and his wife, Nur Hidayah Abd Jabar, had withdrawn their initial police reports lodged against one another.
It is understood, however, that a fresh report has been filed against Fahmi, who is a former head of Penang PKR Youth and considered one of the party’s few young leaders groomed for future leadership.
Reportedly, both parties filed separate police reports, each alleging the other acted violently.
The state exco member alleged his wife physically assaulted him and attempted to stab him with a pair of scissors.
He reported that the dispute started at their house at 3.45pm on Sunday (Feb 22), leading to three separate scuffles that day.
The man also claimed he was acting in self-defence. He also alleged that his wife suffers from mental health issues and is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment.
His wife then claimed that her husband punched her and also attempted to strangle her. She also claimed self-defence and said she had multiple bruises, including on her eye.
Fahmi’s charge comes amid a series of unsettling issues confronting the party led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, raising questions about the impact on its younger leadership cadre. - February 27, 2026