Sword-wielding Muhdalena acquitted to undergo psychiatric treatment

A former International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) student was acquitted by the Sessions Court here today of four charges related to criminal intimidation and illegal possession of a weapon.

Muhdalena Ahmad, 30, was however ordered by Judge Mohamed Kamil Nizam to be committed to Permai Hospital in Tampoi, Johor for psychiatric treatment under Section 348(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The mother of two children aged four and three had been charged with threatening auxiliary policeman Corporal Ridzuan Megat Ahmad, refusing to heed the officer's warning to surrender a weapon, illegal possession of a sword, and refusing to heed the advice of a minister to obtain a permit before entering the restricted premises.

She was accused of committing the offences near Complex B, Prime Minister's Department in Putrajaya at 2.30pm on July 9, 2012.

Mohamed Kamil based his judgement on witnesses' testimonies that Muhdalena was suffering from psychotic depression due to "shared delusion that caused her to be unaware that she was acting against the law".

He said the defence had succeeded on the balance of probabilities, in proving unsoundness of mind at the time of the offence.

The judge had further noted that Muhdalena did not deny the charges while giving her testimony and even admitted being present and in possession of a sword at the scene.

Mohamed Kamil also considered the testimony of the psychiatrist who said Muhdalena, who is now five months' pregnant did not realise her actions at the time.

Muhdalena was with self-proclaimed 'Imam Mahadi', Khalil Afendi, 47, when they allegedly caused a disturbance outside the Prime Minister's Department complex, prompting police to fire at them.

Khalil was wounded in the incident and subsequently passed away.

Meanwhile, Muhdalena said when met by the media after the verdict, that she was thankful, and regarded the court order for her to be committed to Permai Hospital as an opportunity to rest and recuperate.

"I don't take it as a punishment. I want to rest there, as I am still on medication. I am thankful that I won't be going to prison.

"I never imagined committing such an act. Before this I had a stable job. I used to lean towards extremism but now I want to live moderately," she said.

Deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh conducted the prosecution while counsel M. Visvanathan defended Muhdalena.