Hasbullah Ismail, 57, nodded to show that he understood the charge that was read out to him before magistrate Syahrul Sazli Md Sain. However, no plea was recorded.

Hasbullah is accused of murdering Nik Khatijah Nik Mud, 32, who was Ikram Muda Malaysia’s advocacy department manager, at a house in Taman Bangi, Jalan Reko, here between 11pm on March 5 and 3am on March 6.

The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, provides for the death sentence upon conviction. The court fixed April 16 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Hairuliqram Hairuddin prosecuted while Hasbullah was represented by Abdul Halem Mohamad Husin.

On March 9, it was reported that the police had arrested a man to assist in the investigation into the murder of an NGO staff who was found strangled to death at a house in Taman Bangi.

Her body was found by a male colleague and initial checks found ligature marks on the victim’s neck.

It was believed that she had died more than 24 hours prior to being found.