KOTA KINABALU, April 15 -- A 71-year-old man charged with murdering his ex-fiancee and dismembering her body last February has been ordered by the court to undergo a 30-day mental observation at Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang.

Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus issued the order on Piluta Samad, who has a heart condition, after allowing an application by his defence team, led by lawyer Ram Singh, when the case came up for mention today.

Ram told the court that based on his observations of Piluta's words and behaviour, there was a need to refer him to Hospital Mesra for specialist evaluation for 30 days, with a possible extension of another 30 days if necessary.

The prosecution objected to the application.

Piluta is accused of murdering 44-year-ol...