This trial commenced on 6 July 1999 and thereafter continued to be heard on 7 July, 10 August and 11 August 1999 when it was adjourned to 22, 23 and 27 September 1999 for continued hearing.

When the trial resumed, I was informed by counsel for the defendants that there has been a 'development' concerning the parties to this suit by reason whereof the defendants were seeking the court's direction on whether or not the trial should proceed. The 'development' was this: on 25 August 1999, the first plaintiff was charged with an offence of cheating under s 420 Penal Code at the Magistrates' Court, Sungei Siput. The first plaintiff pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case was fixed for mention again on 1 October 1999 pending representation by counsel for the first plaintiff to the Attorney General's chambers. Counsel for the defendants informed the court that the charge preferred against the first plaintiff relates to certain drainage claims made by the plaintiffs in this suit and which the defendants assert are wrongly and fraudulently made. In these circumstances, counsel for the defendants sought directions whether this suit could continue to be heard before t