The original charge preferred against the accused in this case in the magistrate's court at Melaka is as follows:

Bahawa kamu pada 6 Julai 1997 jam lebih kurang 7.25 pagi, di Batu 5 Lorong Sidang Hassan Bukit Katil Melaka, di dalam Daerah Melaka Tengah, di Negeri Melaka, telah melakukan rompakan ke atas Dengkil bte Taib KP3715812, dengan itu melakukan kesalahan di bawah s 392 Kanun Keseksaan dan boleh dihukum di bawah peruntukan yang sama.

On 11 July 1997 when the accused appeared in court to answer the charge made against him, the prosecuting officer informed the court that there is reason to believe that the accused is not of sound mind and prayed that he be sent to a hospital for observation. The learned magistrate, in accordance with the provisions of s 342(iii) of the Criminal Procedure Code (FMS Cap 6) ('the CPC') ordered that the accused be sent for observation to a mental hospital for a period of one month in order to determine whether he is capable of making his defence. On 11 August 1997, the period of observation was extended for another one month on the application of the hospital authorities. On 10 September 1997, the prosecuting officer informed the court tha