Discord Among Defendants

The Straits Times reported on October 25, 2008 that some of the defendants in the Tak Boleh Tahan! trial could not see eye-to-eye on a number of matters. Excerpts from the news story:

At one point, lawyer Chia Ti Lik, a defendant, interrupted fellow defendant Yap Keng Ho's cross-examination to say: "Your Honour, I do no see the relevance of this line of questioning. And I wonder why the DPP (Deputy Public Prosecutor) has not objected."

Yap had been questioning the police photographer on the type of flash she used to take pictures of the scene. He said it was to establish the authenticity of the photos.

One, 27-year-old Chong Kai Xiong, disagreed with Yap's assessment that there was something wrong with the pictures. Another, 58-year-old Jufrie Mahmood, said, "I'm getting the impression that Mr Yap is applying for a post in the police force."

Earlier in the day, Yap was also rebuked by a fellow defendant, after he accused District Judge Chia Wee Kiat of "giving evidence from the Bench and answering questions on behalf of the witness."

He made the remark after the judge, in response to a question on when the photos were taken, pointed out the date was stated on the cover of the book of photos.

Instantly, Mr R. Thrumurgan, who is representing two of the defendants, stood up and retorted: "I feel compelled to respond to Mr Yap. His submission and objection is of no basis at all."

Towards the end of the day, Yap and several defendants asked the judge that they be tried separately from the others. They had made a similar request a day earlier. The judge turned down their requests both times.