Syed Shah Iqmal, 25, who was in a light blue T-shirt, looked calm when he made the plea to both charges, which were read out before Sessions Court judge Faiz Dziyauddin and magistrate Mohamad Ikhwan Mohd Nasir respectively.

In the court before judge Faiz, the preacher was charged with committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on the 22-year-old woman at his rented house in Damansara Perdana here between 3am and 4am last Oct 17.

He faces imprisonment for up to 20 years, and is also liable to whipping, if found guilty, as provided under Section 377B of the Penal Code.

Deputy public prosecutor P Vitiya Monisha prosecuted, while the accused was represented by lawyer Syed Amirul Syed Edros.

Faiz, in allowing Syed Iqmal to be released on bail of RM20,000 in one surety, also ordered him to report himself at the nearest police station on the first day of every month pending the disposal of the case, as well as to not intimidate the victim.

The court set Feb 19 for mention for submission of documents.

Meanwhile, in the Magistrate’s Court, Syed Iqmal was charged with using criminal force on the same woman with intent to outrage her modesty at the same place and date.

The charge, under Section 354 of the Penal Code, provides imprisonment for up to 10 years, or fine, or whipping, or any two of the punishments, if found guilty.

Magistrate Mohamad Ikhwan allowed Syed Shah Iqmal bail of RM5,000 in one surety and ordered him not to intimidate the victim.

He set Feb 19 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Zamriah Zarifah Aris appeared for the prosecution in the case.

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