MUAR: A former three-term Sedili assemblyman pleaded not guilty at a Magistrate’s Court here to a charge of molesting a woman in a vehicle.

       Rasman Ithnain (pic), 54, allegedly outraged the modesty of the woman in a white Toyota Vellfire while they were in Muar at around 5pm on Jan 13.

       The woman’s identity was withheld by the court.

       If convicted, he could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a fine or caning, or any two of the punishments.

       Rasman, who is also the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Kota Tinggi division chief, was represented by lawyers Muhammad Mohd Nasir and Muhammad Izzad Syafiq Ismail.

       Johor prosecution director Tengku Amir Zaki Tengku Abdul Rahman and deputy public prosecutor Hayatul Wirdah Mohd Yunos appeared for the prosecution.

       The prosecution asked the court to set bail at RM5,000 but the accused’s lawyers requested for a lower sum, citing that he has been cooperative throughout the investigation and he was not a flight risk.

       Magistrate Amalina Basirah Md Top set bail at RM4,000 with one surety and fixed July 3 for the submission of documents and next mention of the case on Aug 16 until 18.

       Meanwhile outside the courtroom, Rasman, in a grey suit, was seen in good spirits and told reporters to “pray for me”.

       He was Sedili assemblyman from 2008 until 2022. He won the seat on an Umno ticket in the 14th general election in 2018 but later joined Bersatu. He was not fielded in the March 12 Johor election.