A former New Era College student who punched the college's senate chairperson during a convocation ceremony earlier this year was sentenced to two days in jail and a fine of RM6,000 by the Kajang magistrate's court today.

Lim Ken Zhi, 22, of Ulu Tiram, Johor had admitted on Jan 22 to punching college senate chairperson Yap Sin Tian with his right fist, at the convocation hall of the college at Jalan Bukit Kajang, at 10.10am on Jan 11.

The incident happened while Yap, 70, who is also the Dong Jiong president, was delivering his speech during the convocation ceremony. He suffered a broken cheekbone and had to be hospitalised for two days.

yap sin tian punched by former student lim ken zhi court 240409 01 Lim fled immediately but surrendered on Jan 13 at the Kajang police station.

He faced a maximum seven-year jail term and a fine. He was represented by counsel Wong Kian Kheong. Lim later paid the fine.

Earlier, in mitigation, Wong urged Magistrate Nurdiana Mohd Nazari to impose a light sentence pointing out that Lim had surrendered to the police and had pleaded guilty.

As a sign of repentance, he had also sought an apology from Yap.

"The accused had twice sent an apology letter to the victim expressing his willingness to make compensations. However, Yap did not reply," said Wong.

He added that Lim had only ‘lost control' of himself momentarily during the incident due to the controversies surrounding the college and there were no issues of premeditation or abetment.

Wong requested the court to only impose a fine without a jail term.

‘No ill-feelings'

However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Ain Abdul Rahim objected to a light sentence saying that the case was of public interest and hence the accused should be punished appropriately.

new era college yap sin tian punched by student 120109 When asked by the magistrate if he had anything to say before sentence was passed, Lim said: "I am very sorry to my parents."

After sentencing, Lim was taken to prison while his parents settled the fine. They refused to talk to the press.

The punching incident occurred after Lim had made his way on stage while Yap was giving his speech.

Lim had gone on stage wearing a green T-shirt, previously worn by staff at a fund-raising event in the college. Everyone in the hall assumed he was trying to adjust the microphone which had given trouble earlier.

However, he suddenly punched Yap in the face and fled through the backstage exit, evading a few people who gave chase and flinging off the T-shirt as he fled.

The incident, which created headlines in the print and electronic media, was linked to the non- renewal of the contract of former New Era College dean Kua Kia Soong. Kua denied any involvement in the assault.

Yap had before this said he bore no ill-feelings towards his assailant, but stressed that the assault was ‘a serious matter'.