A lawyer in the Daphne Iking enticement case suffered a giddy spell while cross-examining the celebrity’s ex-husband Ryan Chong Yiing Yih today, forcing the court to postpone the hearing to Feb 16.

At the outset of today’s proceedings, the lawyer, Jagjit Singh, representing Darren Choy Khin Ming - the man accused of enticing Iking - had asked for a postponement, saying he was unwell.

Jagjit, who is said to be suffering from bronchitis, showed to the court medical chits from government as well as private hospitals but magistrate Engku Ahmad Rashdi Engku Abdillah told him to go ahead with his cross-examination.

Engku Ahmad Rashdi said he did not want to postpone the trial because it had already been postponed to today because Choy was sick when the trial resumed on Wednesday.

He also suggested that the cross-examination be carried out by Akhbardin Abdul Kadir instead, but Akhbardin, who is assisting Jagjit, said he and Jagjit had their respective duties and that only Jagjit would cross-examine Chong.

Jagjit then cross-examined Chong but about 20 minutes later, the lawyer, who looked weak, was seen swaying and about to collapse but Akhbardin managed to grab hold of him.

Wheeled out for treatment

On seeing his condition Engku Ahmad Rashdi ordered a 20-minute break and Jagjit was wheeled out of the courtroom for treatment by Akhbardin and his aide.

When the court resumed, Engku Ahmad Rashdi agreed to postpone the trial following an application by lawyer Wong Kian Kheong, representing Chong, on humanitarian grounds.

He then ordered another 20-minute break and when he resumed the hearing to fix a new date, Akhbardin and Jagjit’s aide were nowhere to be seen.

NONE The magistrate later fixed Feb 16 for the resumption of the trial.

The cross-examination today revolved around the Chong’s denial about his relation with a guest relations officer named Serena from China as well as about his divorce petition.

Chong, 32, filed the private summons against Choy, 45, for enticing Iking, 31 ( left ), with the intention of having intercourse at The Plaza condominium, Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, between July 2007 and September 2008.

Choy is charged under Section 498 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to two years or a fine or both, upon conviction.

Iking and Chong were married on Jan 27, 2007 in Bali, Indonesia, and the couple has a daughter.

- Bernama