Koay Beng Ghee, 36; Teh Eng Tat, 36; and Ng Weng Kooi, 41 claimed trial after the charges were read to them before magistrate Nadratun Naim Saidi.

They were accused of assaulting Beh Hong Shien, 37, with an iron rod outside a coffee shop at Karpal Singh Drive at 9.50am on Oct 22.

The charge was framed under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine, caning or any two of these penalties upon conviction.

Nadratun set bail at RM7,000 with one surety each and ordered the accused not to communicate with or approach the victim or any of the witnesses involved in the case.

Watching brief lawyer RSN Rayer earlier told the court to impose a condition barring the accused from approaching the victim or witnesses, citing safety concerns.

He said there had been lawyers killed in the past, and that the court must take a serious view of such matters.

Deputy public prosecutor M Darshini initially requested bail to be set at RM9,000.

The next mention date was set for Jan 13. Yusuf Idris appeared for the accused.