KUALA LUMPUR: A student charged with two cousins for causing the death of his parents using exorcism to ‘cure their illness’ has been sentenced to 10 years’ jail by the High Court here yesterday.Muhammad Nizam Mohd Ibrahim, 21, and cousin Muhammad Fauzi Abdul Razak, 23, were sentenced to 10 years’ jail for each of two charges.
The sentences were to run concurrently from the date of arrest on Oct 1 2008.
Another accused, Muhammad Ilyas Abdul Razak, 25, (Muhammad Fauzi’s brother) was acquitted and asked to undergo psychiatric treatment for insanity and bipolar mood disorder or manic depression.
The trio were charged with two counts of causing the death of Muhammad Nizam’s parents Mohd Ibrahim Kader Mydin, 48, and Rosina SM Mydin Pillay, 42, at house No 5-7C, Blok A, Flat Seri Sarawak, Jalan Kenanga, here on Oct 1 2008 between noon and 8pm. They were charged under Section 304(a) of Penal Code which carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years.
In passing sentence, Judicial Commissioner Azman Abdullah said the crime committed was due to the ignorance of the family especially Muhammad Ilyas who claimed to have special powers to cure illnesses and bring back the dead.
“The teachings of Al Arqam which idolise pictures of Abuya Ashaari is just a cover for the ignorance and idolatry and to legitimise the acts.
“Although there is no direct evidence, the two deceased were seen battered to death by the three acccused and that the accused tried to bring them back to life.
“Irrespective of religious beliefs, we have to respect our parents. The video recording showing Rosina being abused is beyond imagination.
“The two accused and family members were taken in by the hallucinations of Muhammad Ilyas who is clearly a mental patient. I am angry and sympathise with what happened as a mental patient had been regarded as someone who can create miracles,” Azman said. — Bernama