The Sessions Court was a scene of emotion and tension today as Roslan Abas, 56, faced charges of neglecting his 14-year-old son, a case that has sparked widespread concern and debate.

Roslan, a scrap collector, was accused of leaving his teenage son to sleep alone in the corridor of a flat in Pasir Gudang from 10 PM on July 7 until 8 AM on July 9.
“I gave him the key, but he didn’t want to come in. It’s alright, I understand. I’ll just plead guilty,” said Roslan after the charges were read out.
Court rejected his plea

However, the court, presided over by Judge Datuk Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim, rejected his guilty plea, stating that it was made conditionally. The judge stressed the need for an unconditional plea to proceed, reported NST.
Roslan, who faces a potential fine of up to RM50,000 or a maximum prison sentence of 20 years under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, tried to explain his side.
“He is like that, he can’t be hit, he doesn’t listen when I speak. Every night I sleep late, but I always peek outside, he’s never in front of the house,” he shared, painting a picture of a challenging relationship with his son.
Judge Che Wan Zaidi emphasised that a guilty plea must be unconditional.
“A guilty plea must be made unconditionally, and the accused must acknowledge the facts of the case. If this is the case, the case will be tried, and the court will give you a chance to prove that you are not guilty,” he stated.
Bail and financial hardship
In a twist, Deputy Public Prosecutor Sharifah Natasha Syed Ahmad proposed a bail of RM15,000 with one surety and three additional conditions.
Roslan, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded for a reduction, citing his unstable income and financial responsibilities.
“My income is uncertain, sometimes it reaches RM1,000, sometimes it doesn’t. I have four dependents, including my son (the victim, who is the second child of two siblings)”, he explained.
The judge showed leniency, reducing the bail to RM3,000 with the condition that Roslan does not disturb the witnesses.
The case is scheduled for mention again on July 29, allowing time for Roslan to appoint a lawyer and for the submission of relevant documents.
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