KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Sharnaaz Ahmad Bazir Ahmad pleaded not guilty at Magistrate's court here this morning to one count of physically assaulting a man at a condominium here six months ago.
The 38-year-old actor claimed trial when the charge was read to him before Magistrate Atiqah Mohamed @ Mohamad Saim.
He was accused of committing the offence against 27-year-old Izzul Islam Awang at Block C at the Changkat View Condominium around 8.30pm on June 16 last year.
The victim is also a resident of the condominium.
The charge was framed under Section 232 of the Penal Code, which carries up to one year's jail, a fine of up to RM2,000 or both, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nadia Elena Jamaluddin Akbal proposed that the court impose a bail of RM5,000 for the accused.
However, Sharnaaz's counsel, Datuk Abu Bakar Isa Ramat, asked for a lower bail. He said Sharnaaz was a divorcee and is currently caring for his five-year-old son via joint custody with his ex-wife.
He also asked the court to consider that Sharnaaz was charged in court around six months after the incident and that he had extended his full cooperation to the police through the investigation.
The court fixed bail at RM2,000 and set March 6 for re-mention.
After the proceedings, Abu Bakar told the press that Sharnaaz would be filing a representation to the Attorney-General's Chamber (AGC) to review the charges.
According to the police, the incident took place when the victim's friend was prevented by a security guard from entering the condominium.
An argument then ensued between the victim and the guard.
Sentul police chief, Assistant Commissioner Beh Eng Lai, had last year
Sharnaaz, who saw the incident, had intervened in the matter. The victim claimed that Sharnaaz punched him in the face until it was bruised.
The actor was subsequently remanded from June 17 to 20 to assist with the investigation.