Malaysian Man Accused of Pushing Thai Girlfriend from 23rd Floor Ordered to Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation

A 37-year-old Malaysian lorry driver, Nathan Vijayakumar, has been ordered by the Magistrate's Court to undergo a psychiatric examination at Hospital Bahagia Tanjong Rambutan in Ulu Kinta, Perak. Vijayakumar is charged with murdering his 32-year-old Thai girlfriend, Mawika Lumyai, by allegedly pushing her from the 23rd floor of a condominium in Setia Alam, Shah Alam.

The court made the ruling after the accused's lawyer, Sivahnanthan Ragava, applied for the psychiatric evaluation. Ragava stated that Vijayakumar suffered a mild head injury and intracranial bleed in a 2018 motorcycle accident, which has resulted in him being mentally unstable. The court has set June 7 to get an update on the accused's psychiatric report.

Vijayakumar was charged with murder on March 8 and faces a jail sentence of not less than 30 years and not more than 40 years, or potentially the death sentence and caning. The defense counsel requested the evaluation, stating that Nathan had sustained head injuries in the 2018 accident and may not be able to face a trial. The court granted the application, and the trial will proceed if the hospital finds Vijayakumar fit to stand trial.

Why this matters: This case highlights the importance of considering mental health factors in criminal proceedings. The psychiatric evaluation will determine if the accused is mentally fit to stand trial and face the serious charges against him.

The Magistrate's Court has taken the necessary steps to ensure a fair trial by ordering the psychiatric examination of Nathan Vijayakumar at Hospital Bahagia Tanjong Rambutan. "The court has set June 7 to get an update on the accused's psychiatric report," stated a court official. The outcome of the evaluation will determine the next steps in this tragic case involving the alleged murder of Mawika Lumyai.

Key Takeaways

• Malaysian lorry driver charged with murdering Thai girlfriend
• Ordered for psychiatric exam due to head injury from 2018 accident
• Faces 30-40 years jail or death penalty if found guilty
• Psychiatric report to determine if fit to stand trial
• Case highlights importance of mental health in criminal proceedings