PETALING JAYA: MCA respects the wishes of Sam Ke Ting’s family in refusing assistance from any political party in her bid to appeal her conviction for driving recklessly and causing the death of eight teenagers on "basikal lajak" in Johor in 2017.

       However, three lawyers from MCA will still attend the hearing of her application for leave to appeal at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya on Monday (April 17) to offer their help if needed.

       In a joint statement, MCA Civil Society Movement Coordination Bureau chairman Ng Kian Nam, MCA Youth leader Ryan Ho Kwok Xheng and MCA Youth Civil Society Movement Coordination Bureau chairman Heng Zhi Li said they will continue to closely monitor the case.

       “We are ready to provide legal counsel or viewpoints at any time.

       “In the interest of justice, it is our hope that Sam is able to raise reasonable doubt on the High Court judgment on her case in the appeal process,” they said.

       Sam, 27, was sentenced to six years in jail and fined RM6,000 over the deaths of eight teenagers who were riding modified bicycles in Johor Baru at 3.20am on Feb 18, 2017.

       Last week, High Court judge Justice Abu Bakar Katar also denied her a stay of execution after finding her guilty.

       The MCA Legal Bureau had immediately reached out to Sam and her lawyer to offer legal assistance in her appeal.

       Her family later made a statement and declined any help from political parties.