Retired M'sian army officer with Datuk title, 68, charged with allegedly molesting golf caddie, 20

A retired army officer with the title of Datuk allegedly molested a female golf caddie in Melaka on Aug. 25.

Sin Chew Daily reported that Yahya Hashim, 68, was charged with the use of criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of the 20-year-old caddie on Sep. 4.

According to Malay Mail, the incident took place at the Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club in Ayer Keroh.

Yahya pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The deputy public prosecutor proposed that RM5,000 (S$1,565) bail be posted, provided that the accused does not harass the victim. 

In response, Yahya's lawyer, requested that the court reduce the bail amount as the defendant was retired and had no fixed income.

The lawyer also pointed out that Yahya lived with his wife and needed to treat a prostate-related condition.

The magistrate ultimately granted bail of RM2,500 (S$782), under the condition that Yahya not harass the victim before the case has reached a verdict.

Under Malaysian law, he could be jailed for up to 10 years, punished with a fine, be caned, or receive any two of these penalties.

The Datuk honorific is a Malaysian federal title conferred upon individuals of great distinction.