KOTA KINABALU, Aug. 20 -- The lawyer representing one of five teenagers charged in the Zara Qairina Mahathir's bullying case has explained that the defence team is working pro bono.

Datuk Ram Singh dismissed speculation that he is representing a very very important person (VVIP), and insisted that the identities of his client is protected under the gag order imposed on the case.

"I'm saddened, and as a father, considering they are still children. That is why I'm doing this pro bono together with other lawyers.

"My colleagues and I are representing them, and they are not children of VVIPs," Singh was quoted telling Sinar Harian.

Singh had earlier said he had applied for the gag order as the law was clear on protecting the child's inter...