Lim Ken Zhi, the former New Era College student who has pleaded guilty to a charge of causing grievous hurt to a senior Chinese educationist, will know his fate come April 24.

Kajang magistrate Nurdiana Mohd Nazari fixed the date after being informed by assistant public prosecutor Nurul'ain Abdul Rahman that Lim's fingerprint report was not ready.

lim ken zhi charge in court 220109 11 Lim, 22, of Ulu Tiram, Johor, a drama studies graduate, had admitted on Jan 22 to punching college senate chairperson Yap Sin Tian with his right fist, at the convocation hall in Jalan Bukit Kajang, at 10.10am on Jan 11.

The incident happened while Yap, who is also the Dong Jiong president, was delivering his speech during the convocation ceremony. He suffered a broken cheekbone.

Lim ran away immediately but surrendered on Jan 13 at the Kajang police station.

He faces a maximum seven-year jail term and a fine. He was represented by counsel KK Wong.

Daunting penalty awaits

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.

new era college yap sin tian beaten 110109 However, he suddenly punched Yap in the face and left quickly by 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 dean Kua Kia Soong. He denied any involvement in the assault.

Yap said he bore no ill feelings against his assailant, but stressed this was a serious matter.