(1)If the accused elects to make his defence before the examining Magistrate instead of making a written statement under section 179, the statement made by the accused, if any, shall be taken down in writing and read over to him and shall be signed by the examining Magistrate and kept with the written statements made under section 179 and depositions, if any, and forwarded with them as hereinafter mentioned.

(2)The evidence of the accused if he tenders himself as a witness in his own behalf in lieu of making a statement under subsection (1) or section 179 and of any witnesses whom he may desire to call shall then be taken.

(3)Notwithstanding anything in the Evidence Act (Cap. 97), the accused shall be a competent witness in his own behalf in a committal hearing under this Division.