PUTRAJAYA: As clerk Sam Ke Ting appeared at the Court of Appeal here for her hearing, the usually quiet Palace of Justice was slightly abuzz over the high-profile case. Members of the press stationed themselves as early as 8am at the lobby of the court complex in anticipation of Sam’s appeal application, which started only around 9.30am.

       A limited number of media passes were given out to those who were permitted to monitor the court proceedings, while the rest were instructed to stay behind cordoned lines set up by security personnel.

       Sam’s family members were spotted in the area but the cordoned lines kept them from being swarmed by the press.

       Lawyers representing various groups as well as rival political parties arrived at Putrajaya early eager to hear the court’s decision on Sam’s appeal.

       This was despite Sam’s family saying that they will decline offers of legal aid from political parties.

       A panel of lawyers from MCA – consisting of Ng Kian Nam, Ryan Ho Kwok Xheng and Heng Zhi Li – was present to attend the hearing.

       Also with them were MCA Youth chairman Datuk Nicole Wong.

       The MCA panel of lawyers had applied to hold a watching brief or become amicus curiae or a “friend of the court” in the trial, but it was dismissed by the court.

       The appellate court also dismissed an application by prominent lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, but allowed the application by the Bar Council.

       “Our application to hold a watching brief or become ‘amicus curiae’ was rejected by the court and we respect the decision.

       “However, we are glad that at least the Malaysian Bar’s application has been accepted by the court.

       “We are pleased as fellow lawyers that this case has received a high amount of attention from the legal fraternity,” Ng told reporters.

       Ng said the MCA team was pleased the Court of Appeal allowed Sam’s application for leave to appeal and a stay of execution.

       “With the stay of execution, Sam Ke Ting is released on bail.

       “The prosecution also did not file any objection and we are grateful for this.

       “We feel confident that the Court of Appeal panel will hear this case fairly for the sake of justice,” said Ng.

       Ng said MCA would continue to monitor the developments of the case in the spirit of public interest.

       “Among the things that we will pay attention to in the case is the definition of reckless driving.

       “We will also be looking into the ‘basikal lajak’ activity.

       “Will this activity also be considered as an act similar to reckless driving?” said Ng.

       Also at the court were DAP’s Ramkarpal Singh and Teo Nie Ching. Commenting on the court’s decision, Ramkarpal praised the prosecution for not objecting to Sam’s stay of execution.

       “There are definitely issues that merit proper consideration once leave has been allowed.

       “Today, we attended on behalf of DAP to show solidarity and we will continue to support her (Sam),” said Ramkarpal.