Kota Kinabalu: A German national was charged with two counts of entering the State illegally and obstructing an immigration officer from carrying out his duties as an investigating officer.
Kuecuekboga Suleyman, who holds a Republic of Germany passport, was brought before Sessions Court Judge Hurman Hussain for his plea to be recorded.
However, the court was unable to record Kuecuekboga’s plea as he insisted that he did not understand the charges against him.
When the court asked what language he understood, Kuecuekboga replied that he spoke German.
A German interpreter from the embassy was present to assist the court.
Despite several explanations of the charges in German by the interpreter, Kuecuekboga maintained that he did not understand them.
Kuecuekboga, who was unrepresented, informed the court that he intended to appoint a defence counsel.
On the first count, Kuecuekboga was alleged to have entered Sabah without a valid travel document at the Immigration Department premises along Jalan UMS here at 8.50am on April 27 this year.
He was charged under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which carries a fine, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, and whipping, on conviction.
On the second count, he was accused of obstructing the immigration officer from recording his statement at the Immigration Department premises, here, at 4.30pm on May 5.
The offence falls under Section 56(g)(1) and is punishable under Section 56(1)(aa) of the same Act, which provides for a fine or imprisonment of up to five years, on conviction.
The court fixed June 22 for further mention of the case and for the service of relevant documents on Kuecuekboga for his defence.
Pending the disposal of the case, Kuecuekboga was ordered to remain in remand.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Syarifah Nursyuhada Tuan Mamat appeared for the prosecution.
