KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial policewoman Sheila Sharon Steven Kumar, also known as Insp Sheila, who gained notoriety on social media in June, has been formally charged with causing public nuisance.
Sheila, aged 35, pleaded not guilty in front of Magistrate Illi Marisqa Khalizan. Illi Marisqa set bail at RM500 with one surety and scheduled the next hearing for December 18.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Zuhairi Osman had initially requested bail to be set at RM1,000.
According to the charge sheet, Sheila is accused of causing public harm by being angry, repeatedly pressing a car horn, and shouting to the point of causing a public nuisance on June 16 at 5.26pm in a parking lot of a shopping mall in Brickfields.
“Therefore, you have committed an offence under Section 268 of the Penal Code and can be punished under Section 290 of the same code. If convicted, you can be punished with a fine of up to RM400,” the charge sheet stated.
In court, lawyer M. Manoharan, representing Sheila, expressed disapproval of charging his client under Section 268, claiming it was an attempt to intimidate her.
He argued that the decision to file charges simply for honking would set a dangerous precedent and cause fear among the public, stating that the charge against Sheila under Section 268 was the first in the country’s history.
Manoharan also voiced concern that such charges would cause unnecessary fear among Malaysians, as anyone could potentially be charged just for honking a horn.
He described the charge as groundless and embarrassing, adding that he hoped Sheila would be released without any condition, with her father acting as guarantor for her attendance at every proceeding.
Earlier, Sheila had been faced with three charges of threatening and tarnishing the reputation of a lance corporal and two civilians, appearing before Magistrate Chai Guan Hock and Magistrate Nor Hafizah Rajuni.
Before Chai, Sheila was accused of threatening a woman with the intention of intimidation under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum punishment of two years’ imprisonment, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
In addition, Sheila was accused of insulting the modesty of a man under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Before Nor Hafizah, Sheila was charged with using improper language towards L/Kpl Abdul Arif Farhan Abdul Razak, with the intention to defame his honor.
All of these offenses were alleged to have taken place at a restaurant in Selayang between noon and 1pm on June 15.
