Didakwa

Didakwa is a Malay verb meaning to be charged in a legal sense. It is the passive form of the verb dakwa and is used to indicate that a person or organization has been formally charged with a crime in a court of law. The word is widely used in Malaysian Malay in legal documents, court reports, and media coverage of criminal cases.

Usage: It appears in phrases such as 'dia didakwa di bawah Seksyen 302 Kanun Keseksaan' or 'Syarikat ABC didakwa atas tuduhan penipuan.' It does not imply guilt; it only records that charges have been filed. The subject of 'didakwa' is often an individual, company, or government body, and the sentence may omit the agent (the prosecutor). The related noun 'dakwaan' means 'a charge' or 'allegation.'

Distinctions: 'dituduh' is another common term meaning 'to be accused' and is often used in general contexts; 'didakwa' is more formal and specifically refers to a court-filed charge. The phrase 'dakwaan di mahkamah' appears frequently in journalism.

Etymology and form: didakwa derives from the verb dakwa with the prefix di- indicating the passive voice; 'dakwaan' is the noun form.

Legal and social context: In many jurisdictions, including Malaysia, charges are alleged statements that the authorities must prove; individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The term 'didakwa' thus signals a procedural stage rather than a determination of guilt.