Zainun Ali J:

The appellant, in exercising her legal right to appeal the decision of the learned Sessions Court judge, had unwittingly raised several points of law which merit scrutiny, and deliberation.

The Facts

In a macabre turn of events, the appellant who was then at Pusat Serenti and who was originally a witness in her husband's trial in the Sessions Court on 3 June 1998, suddenly admitted to the charge which was preferred against her husband. The appellant also stated in this case that her husband is blameless. However, nowhere in the notes of evidence before this court was it explained what was the charge preferred against the appellant's husband.

The appellant was then arrested and detained the same day (3 June 1998), while her husband was released on 8 July 1998.

On the following day, ie, 4 June 1998, a charge was prepared against the appellant and on the same day, the appellant was charged in the Sessions Court, Johor Bahru. The appellant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years imprisonment with effect from that day. It was alleged that the prosecution case against the appellant was based on a chemist report dated 8 February 1996. This chemist report