Explaining his decision, Shaharudin Ali said it was difficult for him and his colleagues to get instructions from Hamim now that he is on the run.

“As his defence lawyers, we feel his actions indicate that he no longer has confidence in us, as well as in the ongoing court proceeding.

“He might have his own reasons for escaping, and he is still innocent until proven guilty,” Berita Harian quoted Shaharudin as saying.

He also added that the defence lawyers were appointed to represent Hamim in several ongoing criminal and civil cases.

“Long Tiger” has yet to be detected by the authorities. The 33-year-old escaped from a magistrates’ court lock-up in Tangkak district in Johor on Dec 15 while still handcuffed.

District police chief Mohd Fadhli Minhat told reporters that police have launched Op Tutup all over the district to track Hamim down. He was last seen wearing a bright-coloured t-shirt, dark brown trousers and a pair of slippers.

He is wanted for blackmail, rape and kidnap.