KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Ghost in the Cell is the latest offering by prominent Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar. 

The film also marks a rare endeavour into dark comedy by Joko, who is best known for his slew of gut-wrenching and bloody horror films such as Impetigore and Satan’s Slaves.  

It is currently making waves in Indonesia, where the film has attracted more than two million viewers since its release on April 16, with the first million admissions recorded in its first six days after premiere.

On top of that, the film has also garnered positive responses from international audiences following its premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) last February. 

Set in a notorious high-security prison, Ghost in the Cell centres around an invisible malevolent force that begins brutally killing inmates. As the mounting bloodshed turns the facility into a slaughterhouse, rival gangs and corrupt guards — who once lived in a state of constant war — are forced to cast aside their egos and unite. 

Together, they must uncover the dark motive behind the hauntings and pacify an otherworldly enemy that feeds on the negative energy of the cell.

The cast of Ghost in the Cell includes Indonesian actors such as Endy Arfian, Abimana Aryasatya and Lukman Sardi as well as a couple of prominent Malaysian stars including Bront Palarae and Ho Yuhang. 

Same same but different 

Although Ghost in the Cell is still within the horror genre, delving into dark comedy is new territory for Joko, as most of his films are typically serious and more complex.

However, speaking to Malay Mail, Joko said this was done so that the film could cater to a wider audience. And although the issues raised in the film have their reference to Indonesia’s current political climate, Joko reassured that it is still relatable to others, especially audiences in South-east Asian countries.

“So it’s not just for Indonesians actually – because what’s happening in Indonesia, which is portrayed in the film, actually happens in many other South-east Asian countries, especially Malaysia I think. 

“Because the movie talks about deforestation, environmental corruption and corruption in general, and it points out how the justice systems don’t really side with the people. 

“So I think it is relatable to many other people in other South-east Asian countries too,” Joko said.

The 50-year-old director is no stranger when it comes to dishing out socio-political commentaries through his films – for example, his very first film Janji Joni gave subtle jabs to Indonesian filmmakers who are in it only for the money instead of making something that could contribute to society. 

His second feature film Kala touches on how certain leaders are more prone to believing superstitions instead of logic and much like his previous works, Ghost in the Cell is also laden with these commentaries as Joko felt that this is something he is compelled to do as a filmmaker. 

Aside from that, an Indonesian ministry recently organised a screening of Ghost in the Cell and invited Joko, along with several other government officials and civil servants.

Joko shared that he was surprised that the film actually sat well with that particular audience and added that several civil servants even came up to thank him for producing the film. 

“I believe that there are people who are trying to change the system from within and I guess this film inspired those who are doing the same thing within the system too. 

“The government, I don’t think they are really making decisions, policies and regulations that really side with the people. 

“But I do believe that there are still some good people, at least 10 per cent in every system who are still trying to do some good,” he said. 

Chemistry among ensembles

Ghost in the Cell highlights Joko Anwar’s habit of bridging regional talent, featuring Malaysian heavyweights Bront Palarae and Ho Yuhang. 

While Bront is a long-time regular, this marks a historic first on-screen appearance for director Ho, who has previously only collaborated with Joko from behind the scenes.

Prominent Malaysian filmmaker Ho Yuhang will be making his first on-screen appearance for a Joko Anwar film in ‘Ghost in the Cell’. — Picture by Ham Abu Bakar

Ho plays an incarcerated drug kingpin named Rendra who has a history of eluding the law previously.

“While developing the character, I kept wondering why this character feels very familiar in my mind.

“It prompted me to describe the character to some of my crew who immediately told me that I am describing my friend, Ho Yuhang – and that’s when it hit me ‘oh my god, it is Yuhang!

“So I gave him a call and asked him to be in the film,” Joko said. 

Talking more about his character, Ho said that Joko had actually prepared a backstory for Rendra who came from a mixed background which explains his more colloquial Malaysian dialect in the film and despite being smaller in size compared to the other inmates, Rendra’s wrath was not to be underestimated.

“I suppose it’s interesting because a very violent sort of person can come in a very small shape. 

“He (Rendra) is like the scary Joe Pesci in Goodfellas – short but terrifying,” Ho said. 

The Mrs. K director pointed out that when playing Rendra, he also took inspiration from several former gangsters he had met in real life.

Aside from that, Ho, who described Ghost in the Cell as a brilliant blend of genre film with meaningful storyline, also praised the chemistry among the cast on set. 

“What is exciting and something that I haven’t quite seen before is the chemistry between those actors. 

“It is as if they really live in jail and they’ve been friends for a long time. 

“The sort of ensemble chemistry that he got out of the cast is just really amazing,” Ho said, adding that there are no hierarchies when it comes to Joko’s set and everyone was treated equally no matter what role they played.  

A zen set and a pinch of motivational fear

Meanwhile, Bront Palarae plays a sadistic prison guard named Jefry in Ghost in the Cell. According to Bront – who has worked with Joko for the past 10 years across six projects – he described Joko’s set as very “zen”.

“It’s very zen, low decibel, there’s almost no noise so there’s a lot of clarity and focus.

“In terms of preparation, I think he is the most detailed – in fact, he had also prepared a backstory for all of the extras in the film so that they know the background of each of their characters,” Bront said. 

‘Ghost in the Cell’ marks the sixth Joko Anwar’s project that involves local actor and director Bront Palarae. — Picture by Arif Zikri

He also pointed out that every Joko project is an intentional attempt to “push the ceiling” or raise the industry standard which sort of makes every film a risk because he is constantly entering “uncharted territory”.

However, in terms of the relationship between actors and the director, Bront said there’s a genuine trust that the cast has with Joko, knowing that the director is not just looking out for good “shots” but also the well being of his actors too.

Bront also said that for recurring actors, they all shared the same collective fear that Joko would call out their performance as recycled stuff or repetitive; however this fear also acts as a creative engine, keeping even the most experienced actors alert and preventing them from becoming complacent.

“I think it puts us on our toes, all of us. But he also appreciates good performances too. 

“Whenever he gets some outstanding performances, he will share them with the team too, which also spreads another level of anxiety,” Bront said, adding that the fear is not negative but works more like a motivation for them to do better. 

Faced with “chunky” blocks of dialogue and a challenging fast-tempo delivery, Bront said that he had to meticulously realign his interpretation of the script with Joko’s specific character biography. 

By understanding Jefry’s backstory, he was able to naturally tap into the character’s antagonistic nature, using his performance to intentionally push the emotional boundaries of the ensemble cast.

Despite the linguistic hurdles and the high-pressure environment, the experience felt like an exhilarating “picnic in the park” fuelled by a shared creative adrenaline on set.

“Because we play by functionality as well – like there’s a certain level of energy you need to push into the other characters to elicit a specific emotional response. 

“So it’s more like a give and take process but on a larger scale as it involves a large ensemble. it is quite fun as well,” Bront said. 

Following its release in Indonesia on April 16, Ghost in the Cell has made its way to Malaysian shores and it is currently showing in cinemas nationwide starting from April 30.

TOKYO, April 30 — A centuries-old festival that heralds spring drew hundreds of worshippers to a mountain in Tokyo on Wednesday, as robed Shinto priests led a procession to a sacred shrine at the summit.

The Hinode Sai, or Sunrise festival, is believed to have started when wandering ascetics climbed Mount Mitake in search of enlightenment. Each spring, it attracts devotees from across Japan to the still largely untouched mountaintop about 55 kilometres (30 miles) from Tokyo’s metropolitan area.

The annual two-day ritual sees the shrine’s deity — carefully wrapped in white silk and hidden from public view — brought from the summit down to a temporary “resting place” at the mountain’s base before being returned in a celebratory ascent.

Shrine officials say participants receive the deity’s blessing, offering protection for households and freedom from illness for the year ahead.

The ritual, which has continued since the Middle Ages, according to the shrine’s website, also symbolises the arrival of spring.

The silent procession began Tuesday evening, winding through a mountain village past devotees and shuttered shops bestowing blessing as it went.

Guided by lantern light, priests took the wrapped deity down to its overnight resting place believed to be where it originally descended from the heavens.

At dawn, the Shinto priests in court robes — joined by people dressed as armoured samurai warriors and children in ceremonial attire — set off on a kilometre-long climb back to the summit shrine.

Their pilgrimage culminated with the echo of conch shells through the forest as the procession completed its final ascent of 330 stone steps to the mountaintop. — AFP

TOKYO, April 30 — Japan’s finance minister hinted strongly today that Tokyo was close to intervening in the market to support the yen, after the currency slipped to its lowest level against the dollar since mid-2024.

The yen, trading around 160 yen to the dollar, is close to the level it was at when Japanese authorities spent billions of dollars in the summer of 2024 to boost its value.

The currency has weakened against the greenback in recent months amid the Iran war and rising oil prices, as well as the gap between US and Japanese interest rates.

“We are finally nearing the moment to take resolute measures that I referred to before,” Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama told reporters in remarks that help boost the yen.

“I have consistently referred to taking bold action when needed,” she had said Tuesday. “We’re ready to respond 24 hours a day.”

Next week’s Golden Week holiday in Japan represents a period of lower liquidity, which has historically provided an opportunity for intervention, Bloomberg News reported. — AFP

PARIS, April 30 — The latest developments in the Middle East war:

Lebanon slams Israel 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the “continuing Israeli violations” in south Lebanon, saying they were occurring “despite the ceasefire, as do demolitions of homes and places of worship, while the number of killed and wounded rises day after day”.

“Pressure must be exerted on Israel to ensure it respects international laws and conventions and ceases targeting civilians, paramedics, civil defence, and humanitarian health and relief organisations,” he added.

‘Accelerate’ climate transition 

The global energy crisis has shown the need for the world economy to transform and “accelerate the transition to clean energy”, the Turkish president-designate of the United Nations’ COP31 climate conference said.

“We now know clearly that the global economy must transform its energy paradigm,” Murat Kurum, who is also Türkiye’s climate minister, told a meeting on the energy transition at the International Energy Agency (IAE) in Paris.

‘Major energy crisis’ 

The world is facing a “major energy and economic challenge” as oil prices have soared in the wake of the war in the Middle East, said IAE chief Fatih Birol at the same Paris meeting.

With the world faced with “the biggest energy crisis in history”, oil prices were “putting a lot of pressure in many countries”, he added.

Blockade ‘doomed to fail’ 

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said a US naval blockade on Iranian ports would deepen disruptions in the Gulf while failing to achieve its targets.

“Any attempt to impose a maritime blockade or restrictions is contrary to international law... and is doomed to fail,” Pezeshkian said in a statement.

Oil at four-year high 

Oil prices soared to four-year highs, with the US crude benchmark Brent for June delivery spiking more than seven per cent to US$126.41 (RM501), while West Texas Intermediate was up 3.4 per cent to US$110.31, before later paring gains.

US-Germany tensions 

President Donald Trump said the United States was considering reducing its troops in Germany over Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s refusal to join Washington’s war against Iran — a force estimated between 35,000 and 50,000 troops.

The threats to slash US troop numbers echo Trump’s longstanding criticisms of the Nato alliance, but Merz drew Trump’s fresh ire earlier this week after saying Tehran was “humiliating” Washington at the negotiating table.

EU argues for US troop deployments in Europe 

Following Trump’s post, the EU said Thursday that the deployment of US troops in Europe was in Washington’s interest.

“Our Nato allies are also increasing their defence spending at an unprecedented pace,” European Union spokeswoman Anitta Hipper added.

Putin-Trump talks 

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned his US counterpart not to resume attacks on Iran in a phone call between the two leaders Wednesday, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.

He said there would be “inevitable and extremely damaging consequences” for the region and wider world if military action restarted.

Trump said Putin had wanted to “help” end the US-Israeli war on Iran but that he had told the Russian leader to end the Ukraine invasion first.

US war cost US$25 billion 

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked Wednesday during a fiery exchange in Congress about the cost of 60 days of conflict, and replied that it was estimated at less than US$25 billion so far.

But he hit back at concerns that the United States has used up “alarming” levels of critical munitions that could deplete reserves, accusing critics of “handing propaganda to our enemies”.

‘No more Mr. Nice Guy’ 

“Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, alongside an illustration of himself holding an assault rifle, with the caption “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” — AFP 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government strongly condemns the interception of vessels under the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission by Israeli forces in international waters en route to Gaza.

Fahmi said he has received a detailed briefing from Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, Director‑General of the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), on the incident involving 22 vessels.

“As of 7pm yesterday, the SNCC Director‑General confirmed that contact had been re‑established with one of the 22 vessels. The ship, named TamTam, had lost communication for more than 10 hours after its equipment and engines were sabotaged. However, the remaining 21 vessels have yet to be reached,” he said in a Facebook post.

Fahmi noted that the incident also involved 10 Malaysian citizens. 

“The government strongly condemns this blatant violation by the Zionist regime in international waters, particularly as the incident involves 10 Malaysians,” he said.

He added that the Communications Ministry would continue monitoring media coverage to ensure information disseminated is accurate and verified.

“The public is urged to rely on official sources — specifically SNCC, government agencies and mainstream media — to avoid confusion and the spread of false reports,” he said.

TEHRAN, April 30 — Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said in a written message today that the United States had been defeated in its war on Iran.

“Today, two months after the largest military deployment and aggression by the world’s bullies in the region, and the United States’ disgraceful defeat in its plans, a new chapter is unfolding for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz,” said Khamenei in the message read on state television. — AFP

PUTRAJAYA, April 30 — All 14 assemblymen from Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) in Negeri Sembilan have agreed to continue supporting the state Unity Government to ensure political stability, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president said the decision was reached following a discussion session held with all the representatives involved today.

“The move taken by all the assemblymen was initially driven by good intentions to ensure that the royal institution and customs in Negeri Sembilan continue to be respected and upheld by all, especially Umno and BN representatives,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said this after officiating and witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between MyDigital ID Sdn Bhd and its strategic partners.

He said the party at the national level respects the views of the assemblymen, but all of them have ultimately agreed to continue supporting the Unity Government in Negeri Sembilan to avoid any disruption, in the interest of the people.

In addition, Ahmad Zahid, who is also BN chairman, said that as the country is currently facing global economic challenges, all parties must remain united in supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts to ensure political stability.

“What the Prime Minister aspires to achieve is political stability so that we can collectively face what is described as this global crisis, for the benefit of the people as a whole,” he said.

When asked whether the move by the assemblymen was aimed at replacing the Menteri Besar, Ahmad Zahid said any disputes should be resolved through discussions.

“BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have an 18-point agreement. One of its key elements is that if there are any disputes or issues, we must return to the negotiating table to reach a resolution,” he said. — Bernama

HORSENS (Denmark), April 30 — National men’s badminton squad players have been urged to make full use of their rest day to focus on breaking down China’s formidable challenge in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Thomas Cup here tomorrow.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary-general Kenny Goh said all players entrusted with carrying the nation’s challenge at the Forum Horsens must play their respective roles to spring an upset against the defending champions.

“The singles and doubles players all must play their part.

“Today is also a rest day, so I hope the players can take this opportunity to plan their strategy against China,” he said when met after the knockout stage draw ceremony of the 2026 Thomas Cup here today.

Kenny also remained optimistic that Malaysia had a chance of advancing if the players displayed a strong fighting spirit against the 11-time champions.

On paper, China hold the advantage in the singles department, boasting world number one Shi Yu Qi, Li Shi Feng (world number eight), Weng Hong Yang (15th) and Lu Guang Zu (23rd).

However, Yu Qi’s status remains uncertain after he missed two Group A matches against Canada and 2022 champions India, reportedly due to illness.

Malaysia are expected to field their top players led by world number 25 Leong Jun Hao, followed by Justin Hoh (44th), while professional shuttler and former All England champion Lee Zii Jia (82nd) could be the team’s trump card if the tie is level at 2-2, following his impressive performances here.

Zii Jia has not disappointed, winning all his matches, including a shock victory over world number 20 Koki Watanabe 21-13, 21-19, despite Malaysia’s 2-3 loss to Japan in their final Group B tie yesterday.

Malaysia must also capitalise on their doubles strength to steal crucial points against China, namely through the 2022 world champions and world number two pair, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik; Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (sixth); as well as professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (seventh).

China, meanwhile, will rely on world number five pair Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang, Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi (11th) and He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu (99th).

Malaysia advanced to the quarter-finals as Group B runners-up, while China qualified as Group A champions.

The draw also presents Malaysia with an opportunity to avenge their 1-3 defeat to China in the semi-finals of the 2024 edition held in Chengdu.

Five-time champions Malaysia began their campaign with a narrow 3-2 win over England, followed by a 4-1 victory against Finland before falling 2-3 to Japan.

The 2026 Thomas Cup, which began on April 24, runs until May 3. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) has objected to the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 scheduled to be held in the capital, citing concerns it could harm moral standards and social norms.

Jawi director Hanifuddin Roslan said the department regretted the organisation of the event and urged the organisers to review its concept, taking into account the sensitivities of Malaysia’s multi-racial, multi-religious and multicultural society.

“Jawi calls on all parties to ensure that entertainment programmes do not contain elements that could affect the sanctity of religion and public morals, to prevent greater harm,” he said in a statement today.

He also referred to Bayan Linnas (religious advisory) Series 351 titled “Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026: Entertainment Has Limits, Organisers Bear Responsibility and Immoral Concerts Must Be Stopped”, issued by the Federal Territories Mufti Department, which states that Islam does not reject entertainment outright but requires it to comply with syariah guidelines.

He said Jawi will continue organising religious programmes, including lectures, talks, forums, tausiyah (religious reminder) sessions, social media campaigns and Friday sermons, to remind Muslims to adhere to Allah SWT’s commands and avoid activities deemed immoral.

He added that Jawi will hold simultaneous Yasin recitations and special prayers after Maghrib tonight across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan to pray for the well-being and harmony of residents in the Federal Territories and Malaysians nationwide.

Earlier it was reported that the Labour Day celebration together with the Rain Rave Water Music Festival, scheduled from April 30 to May 2 in Bukit Bintang, is an annual tourism event organised in a structured manner under strict monitoring. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The ringgit eased against most currencies, including the US dollar, as investors shifted towards safe-haven assets amid concerns over volatile crude oil prices.

At 6 pm, the local note depreciated to 3.9690/9740 against the greenback from 3.9495/9540 at yesterday’s close.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said uncertainties over crude oil prices have heightened, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude rising 1.28 per cent and 3.44 per cent to US$108.25 per barrel and US$122.09 per barrel, respectively.

On another development, he told Bernama that the United States (US) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is unlikely to cut interest rates in the near term, as its latest decision showed that some policymakers preferred to keep rates unchanged rather than move towards easing.

At its third meeting of the year, the FOMC maintained the target range for the US federal funds rate at 3.50 — 3.75 per cent.

At the close, the ringgit traded lower against a basket of major currencies.

It eased against the Japanese yen to 2.4907/4942 from 2.4709/4739 at the close on Wednesday, slid against the euro to 4.6417/6476 from 4.6197/6250 yesterday, and slipped versus the British pound to 5.3593/3661 from 5.3330/3391 previously.

The local currency also weakened against regional peers.

It depreciated against the Singapore dollar to 3.1061/1103 from 3.0909/0946 at Wednesday’s close, fell against the Thai baht to 12.1711/1932 from 12.0791/0980 yesterday, decreased against the Indonesian rupiah to 228.7/229.2 from 227.9/228.3, and receded against the Philippine peso to 6.45/6.47 from 6.41/6.42 previously.

The local market will be closed tomorrow in conjunction with the Labour Day public holiday. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 30 — The government’s adjustment to operating expenditure will not affect essential healthcare services, including treatment, emergency care and the supply of medicines, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

He said the ongoing discussions involve only proposed adjustments to operating expenditure, not finalised cuts.

“That is a proposal from the Finance Ministry (MoF) following the Cabinet meeting. It has not been finalised,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysia Occupational Health Services for Public Sector (MyOHS-PS) and Integrated Workplace Health Programmes (IWHP) here today.

Dzulkefly said the government remains committed to safeguarding core healthcare services as outlined in Budget 2026.

“Basic healthcare services, patient treatment, emergency care and the supply of medicines will not be reduced. That is our assurance,” he said.

However, Dzulkefly did not rule out adjustments involving non-core areas, in line with efforts to ensure more prudent financial management.

He said proposals such as reducing staff recruitment have yet to be decided, but assured that efforts to increase the healthcare workforce, particularly contract doctors, would not be affected.

“We have just received more than 4,500 new positions for contract doctors. Insya-Allah, that will not be affected,” he said.

Yesterday, MoF confirmed that guidelines had been issued to ministries and agencies to reprioritise their operating expenditure.

In a statement, the ministry said the move is in line with challenges arising from the global supply crisis and rising subsidy commitments.

Earlier, the MyOHS-PS programme and IWHP were launched in conjunction with the National Occupational Safety and Health Day 2026.

In his speech, he said MyOHS-PS was introduced as a transformation programme to strengthen occupational health services in the public sector through a more systematic and risk-based approach.

The programme focuses on medical surveillance, early detection of occupational diseases and targeted interventions, with a pilot project implemented in the Klang Valley involving four high-risk agencies - the Royal Malaysia Police, local authorities, the Road Transport Department and the Malaysian Nuclear Agency.

“Based on the findings of this pilot project, we will expand its implementation nationwide in line with the National Occupational Safety and Health Plan 2026-2030,” he said.

Meanwhile, IWHP was introduced as a holistic workplace health intervention programme encompassing health screenings, promotion of healthy lifestyles and mental health support.

As an initial step, the Health Ministry has launched the ‘Healthy Lungs, Safe Workers’ campaign to raise awareness on respiratory health, including risks associated with exposure to cigarette and vape smoke in the workplace. — Bernama

TENOM, April 30 — The Magistrate’s Court here today ordered preacher Ebit Irawan Lew, or Ebit Lew, to enter his defence on 11 charges related to sexual harassment.

Magistrate Nur Asyraf Zolhani said the court found that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against Ebit Lew, 41, on all the charges.

“After examining and evaluating, with a positive assessment of the credibility and reliability of all the evidence presented by the prosecution witnesses, and after hearing submissions from both parties, as well as upon maximum evaluation of all the prosecution’s evidence, this court finds that a prima facie case has been successfully established by the prosecution against the accused,” said Nur Asyraf.

The court made the decision at the end of the prosecution’s case after hearing testimony from 18 prosecution witnesses during the trial, which began in September 2022.

Ebit Lew was charged with 11 counts of sexual harassment, including outraging the modesty of a woman in her 40s by sending obscene images and messages via WhatsApp between March and June 2021.

He was charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

The court set October 13 to 16 for the defence trial.

Lawyer Datuk Ram Singh, representing Ebit Lew, informed the court that the defence will call between seven and 10 witnesses.

“The accused has chosen to testify under oath from the witness stand,” he said.

Deputy public prosecutors Nor Azizah Mohamad, Analia Kamaruddin and Muhammad Hidayat Wahab appeared for the prosecution, while Ebit Lew is also represented by lawyers Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki and Timothy Daut.

Meanwhile, Ram Singh, when met by reporters after the decision, said the defence respects the court’s ruling.

“We hope this case will be concluded soon as it has dragged on for more than four years,” he said. — Bernama