KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 16 -- The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) said evidential issues, including testimonial inconsistencies and a non-supportive medical report, were the reasons for downgrading the rape charge in the high-profile case of a single mother and her alleged assailant.

Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said the decision was made after a thorough review of all evidence following a letter of representation from the accused's lawyer.

"The AGC's review found that there were several material inconsistencies in the victim's testimony, which could affect the victim's reliability and credibility, as well as the case as a whole," Dusuki told Malaysiakini.

"Although a medical report was obtained, the findings in the report...