BUKIT MERTAJAM: Pasir Bedamar assemblyman R. N. Terence Naidu has pleaded not guilty at the Magistrate’s Court here to a charge of administering drugs into his body.

       The 54-year-old two-term Perak assemblyman claimed trial after the charge was read to him in front of Magistrate Nurul Rasyidah Mohd Akit yesterday.

       According to the charge sheet, he was accused of consuming methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on Jan 14 when he underwent testing at the Seberang Perai Tengah district police headquarters Narcotic Crime Investigation Department office.

       He was charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and if found guilty, could be fined up to RM5,000 or face two years imprisonment.

       The prosecution was led by DPP Datuk Khairul Anuar Abdul Halim, while Ramkarpal Singh and RSN Rayer represented Terence.

       Khairul Anuar requested for bail to be set at RM5,000.

       Ramkarpal asked for a lower bail, and pleaded with the court to consider that his client is a lawyer and an assemblyman.

       Rayer also requested that his client not be handcuffed and asked that the accused be allowed to be seated in the public gallery instead of the court lock-up until bail is posted.

       The court granted Rayer’s request.

       Nurul Rasyidah fixed bail at RM4,000 with one surety, and set May 17 for next mention.

       Terence posted bail.