Ibrahim Johan, 51, is charged with murdering Elly Idzlianizar, 40, at Taman Behor Gonchar Jaya here between 10.30pm on Sept 10 and 12.01am the following day.

The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, provides for the death penalty or imprisonment for a minimum of 30 years but not more than 40 years, and if not sentenced to death, must also be punished with no less than 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

Ibrahim nodded after the charge was read to him before magistrate Ana Rozana Nor. No plea was recorded as the case is under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

No bail was allowed. The court set Dec 30 for mention and submission of documents.

The prosecution was handled by deputy public prosecutor Nabilah Ahmad Po’ad while Ibrahim was represented by lawyer Tan Yen Sing.

Elly had made a name for himself at the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2009 and won several races.

The media had reported that he died of slash wounds in a fight and police had seized a Samurai sword.