Murder charge reduced, father-son pair could be out on bail on Wednesday: Lawyer

SINGAPORE - The lawyer for the father-son duo charged with the murder of a man allegedly trying to rob a family member in Malaysia, told The Straits Times that the charge against part-time cook Moo He Hong, 57, and Moo Wee Keong, 29, will be amended to causing death by negligence.

Mr Gobind Singh Deo added that the case is due to be rementioned at the Rembau magistrate's in Negeri Sembilan on Wednesday.

"The amended charge will be under Section 304(A), a far more minor charge compared to murder which carries the death penalty," said Mr Gobind.

"It is two years' jail maximum and/or fine. I will do the necessary to obtain bail on Wednesday."

When contacted by The Straits Times, Mr Moo's Singaporean wife - Kuek Soo Lan - revealed that bail for each of the men could be set at between RM10,000 (S$3,762) and RM15,000.

"I'm so happy right now, my heart is literally beating out of my chest," a relieved Madam Kuek said in a phone interview.

"They have been locked up for almost three weeks and it has been a testing period for the family."

The elder Moo and his son were detained in the wee hours of Feb 24 near their house in Gemencheh, Tampin, after subduing Chan Boon Poh, who was allegedly attempting to rob Madam Kuek with a parang.

They were charged with murder after Chan died while he was tied up.

mklee@sph.com.sg

shannont@sph.com.sg

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