PETALING JAYA: Actor-cum-director Datuk Farid Kamil Zahari, who is facing criminal and drug abuse charges, was chided in court yesterday for being late.
Magistrate Nor Ariffin Hisham told the actor to be more concerned and take note of the dates that had been fixed for hearing of his case.
When asked by Nor Ariffin the reason for him being late, Farid Kamil, 38, said he was informed late about yesterday’s hearing by his lawyer, Megat Syazlee Mokhtarom, who was still on medical leave following a road accident.
“I apologise for being late today,” said Farid Kamil, who was supposed to be at the court at 9.30 am, but only arrived at 12.30 pm.
Nor Ariffin then told the actor that it was compulsory for him to be present on the hearing date of his case, even if his lawyer was on medical leave.
“You should not rely completely on your lawyer. This is the second time you are late. Even if your lawyer cannot attend, your presence is compulsory on all hearing dates, unless there are valid reasons, like on medical leave,” he added.
Megat Syazlee also apologised for being late and requested for yesterday’s date, which had been fixed for hearing, to be vacated as he was still on medical leave.
“Probably my sick leave will be extended as my injury has yet to heal following an operation last month,” said the lawyer who was in court with his right arm still in cement. – Bernama
