Lady who ran amok at PMO fit for trial

Muhdalena Ahmad who allegedly ran amok with a samurai sword near the Prime Minister's Office last July is fit to stand trial.

A medical report from Hospital Bahagia, Ulu Kinta, disclosed that the 28-year-old woman from Kota Damansara suffered symptoms of psychotic depression and was under anti-depression medication.

The report, prepared by forensic psychiatric consultant Dr Rabaiah Mohd Salleh, revealed that Muhdalena was in the state of insanity at the time of the incident and did not know the consequences of her action.

However, according to Rabaiah in her report, Muhdalena's mental condition was now stable and that she was fit to defend herself and stand trial in court.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh told the Sessions Court here today that both the prosecution and defence received the medical report from the hospital today.

Muhdalena's lawyer, M.Visvanathan, confirmed the matter (that he received the report today).

Judge Mohamad Kamil Nizam fixed three days - Jan 7, 8 and 9, 2013 - for trial.

The Sessions Court had on last Oct 11, following a request by Visvanathan based on a recommendation by a doctor who treated Muhdalena after the alleged incident, ordered that she be placed under observation for a month at a mental hospital.

The Sessions Court had initially set Nov 23 for mention of the case, but the matter was brought forward to today.

Muhdalena, of Kota Damansara, was charged on July 16, from her hospital bed in Putrajaya Hospital where she was warded after she was shot in the right thigh.

She is alleged to have committed criminal intimidation by threatening to cause grievous hurt to auxiliary policeman Ridzuan Megat Ahmad in the vicinity of Complex B of the Prime Minister's Department here at 2.30pm on July 9.

The charge against her under Section 506 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to seven years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Muhdalena, a graduate of the International Islamic University, was also charged with having in her possession, a sword at the same place and time. The charge under Section 7 (1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 carries a jail term of up to two years and a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.

On Oct 11, she was slapped with two new charges under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959 which she also claimed trial.

On the first charge, Muhdalena is alleged to have disobeyed an order by Lance Corporal Ridzuan to drop her weapon in an area gazetted as a protected area.

On the second charge, she is alleged to have disobeyed an order by a minister by being present at the premises without having a pass card or permit issued by any authority.

She faces a maximum imprisonment for two years or RM1,000 fine or both, on each charge if found guilty.

She is currently on bail of RM11,500 in one surety, pending her trial.