Lawyer Hanif Hassan said the application follows the rejection of their first representations to review the charges against Habib Noh Zairi, 21, Khunais Fathie Khabil, 20, Ahmad Nadzful Izham Azizan, 22, and Fawzun Azim Ismail, 20.

“I confirm that we have received a response stating that the representations have been dismissed. I have instructions from my clients to file the second representations,” he said during proceedings before judge Surita Budin at the Seremban sessions court today, Bernama reported.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Nurul Balkis Zunaidi informed the court the first representations had been dismissed by the state prosecution director.

Surita then set Dec 18 for further mention of the case.

Hanif told reporters later the second representations would seek the AGC’s consideration to review the charges, given that three of the accused are under 21.

On Sept 19, Habib, Khunais and Nadzful claimed trial to 14 counts of sexual assault on boys aged between nine and 11.

On Sept 20, Fawzun pleaded not guilty to six charges of sexual assault on four boys aged between nine and 11.

The charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for touching the body of a child for sexual purposes, and Section 14(b) of the same Act for making a child touch the body of another for sexual purposes.

The offences are punishable with imprisonment of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.