THE Petaling Jaya Sessions Court today ordered nasyid singer and composer Muhammad Yasin Sulaiman to be referred to Hospital Bahagia in Ulu Kinta, Perak, for a mental observation.

Judge Nik Nasimah Nik Mohammad made the order following an application by lawyer Ariff Azami Hussein, representing Yasin, 48, for his client to be examined by a psychiatrist.

“The application is in accordance with section 342 of the criminal procedure code. There is a strong basis for the client’s mental health to be examined by a psychiatrist.

“Observations need to be made to see if he is fit to stand trial. The defence has also submitted five medical reports, among others, confirming Yasin’s mental health history of Bipolar Disorder Type 1 since 2007,” said Ariff, who is assisted by lawyer Nur ‘Ain Shahiera Khalid.

According to Ariff, the reports also showed Yasin had been attacked by “manic symptoms”, which is an extremely unstable euphoric or irritable mood along with an excess activity or energy level, excessively rapid thought and speech, reckless behaviour and feeling of invincibility.

Ariff said the latest report, by University Malaya Specialist Centre, also confirmed Yasin’s mental and health conditions were deteriorating to the point of endangering his life.

Meanwhile, deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Zuhaini Muhamad Amin said he had no objections to the lawyer’s application and left it to the court’s discretion.

The court then set June 22 for mention pending psychiatric report.

Last March 15, the Attorney-General’s Chambers dismissed Yasin’s third representation seeking a review of the three drug charges against him.

The “Mimpi Laila” singer was charged with self-administration of the drug 11-nor-delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol-9- carboxylic acid at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters’ narcotics division at 11.05pm on March 24 last year.

The charge, framed under section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, carries a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or a maximum jail term of two years.

He was also charged with possessing cannabis-type drugs weighing 193.7g and cultivating 17 cannabis plants in plastic pots at his residence at Persiaran Surian Damansara Indah Resort Homes, PJU 3, Kota Damansara at 5.30pm on the same date.

The drug possession charge, under section 6 of the Act, carries a maximum five years’ jail with no less than 10 strokes of the cane.

On cannabis cultivation, the charge is framed under section 6B(1)(a) of the Act, which provides for life imprisonment and whipping of not less than six strokes. – Bernama, May 8, 2023.