Kuala Lampur, March 19 -- When an accused pleads guilty to a charge, it is a step in a rigmarole of process that starts with the charge preferred by the prosecution against the accused read in the language which the accused understands and is conversant with.

If the charge is before a magistrate, the magistrate must ensure that the accused understands the charge as provided for under Section 173(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

The accused then pleads guilty if he chooses so. He must have the choice and not simply be told to plead guilty.

The plea of guilty is followed by the process wherein the magistrate must ascertain that the accused understands the nature and consequence of his plea of guilty to the charge.

It requires th...