The lawyer who represents the parents of autistic six-year-old Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin, who was discovered dead about 200 metres from his home in Damansara Damai on December 6, last year, has stated that he will no longer represent them.

According to Berita Harian, Mahmud Jumaat stated that he could no longer defend the couple since he needed to focus on other cases.

"I pray that this case proceeds smoothly according to the legal process," he was reported as adding.

"As a legal practitioner, I advise all parties to respect the legal process and refrain from making wild speculations about this case for the common good."

The family of Zayn's parents appointed Mahmud after the pair, both 28, were arrested by cops in Puncak Alam on Friday, May 31.

Zayn's parents were held until June 7 to help with an inquiry under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Section 302 of the Penal Code allows for the death penalty or imprisonment for up to 40 years, and if not sentenced to death, a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane on conviction.

Zayn was reported missing on December 5, last year. The postmortem results apparently found signs of self-defense wounds, while the cause of death was neck injuries suspected to be caused by strangling.

In January, Bukit Aman criminal investigation department chief Shuhaily Zain stated that police have recorded the statements of over 200 people in connection with the case.

Source: FMT & Berita Harian