Sun is led away after the proceedings.
SIBU (May 16): A Chinese national pleaded guilty in the Magistrates’ Court here today to a charge of reckless driving that claimed the life of Sabah State Court director Marutin Pagan in March this year.
Sun Xue Song, 42, entered the plea before Magistrate Oon Kork Chern, who then recused himself from further hearing the case due to him having a personal connection with the deceased.
“This is to maintain transparency and avoid any perception of bias,” said the magistrate during pre-trial case management.
The case will be handed over to Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court judge Rosli Ahmad, with June 10 fixed for the presentation of case facts and sentencing under the jurisdiction of the Sibu Magistrates’ Court.
Sun, who was ordered to remain in remand pending the date, was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 which provides imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of up to RM50,000.
According to the charge, Sun drove a sports utility vehicle in a dangerous manner, resulting in the death of Marutin at the Kanowit roundabout at around 1pm on March 30.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mark Kenneth Netto led the prosecution, while Sun was represented by lawyer Terence Tiong.