A former Miss Malaysia told the High Court here oh Thursday that she has only one friend in Malaysia, and has no interest in the country.
Puan Sri Pauline Chai Siew Phin, 67, who is tycoon Tan Sri Khoo Kay Peng's wife, also said she left Malaysia in 1980 for Australia.
"I only have one friend in Malaysia, and I have no interest in Malaysia. I left Malaysia 34 years ago in 1980, and have not lived here since. I moved in 1980 to live in Perth, Australia with the whole family. Our youngest two children were born in Australia and I obtained Australian citizenship.
"I moved in 1989 to live in Victoria, Canada with the whole family where we stayed for 20 years. During this time, (I) established my Canadian domicile and citizenship," she said.
Chai, Miss Malaysia/International 1969 was testifying before Judge Yeoh Wee Siam on her application for dispensation of the need to go before a reconciliatory body for reconciliation before divorce, and to determine a preliminary issue of whether a Malaysian court has the jurisdiction to hear her divorce petition.
To a question by lawyer Datuk Dr Cyrus Das during cross-examination, she said that in 2010, she spent 40 per cent of her time in Malaysia and the rest in Canada.
Meanwhile, in a witness statement tendered in court Thursday, Chai denied that Malaysia was the matrimonial home at any time after they left the country as a family in 1980 and set up home in Australia, then Canada and in England.
"Our children have not spent any meaningful time in Malaysia since we left the country in 1980 and made Australia our home. Since leaving Malaysia, we rarely returned to Malaysia from Australia or Canada as we were very settled.
"When we did travel, the children and I would be keen to go and see parts of the world that we hadn't already seen, such as Vancouver in Canada, Scotland and the United States. We had no interest in returning to Malaysia," she added.
Earlier, Chai said Khoo had made all decisions in the family, such as deciding her and their children's move to Australia in 1980 and subsequently, to Canada in 1989.
"He controls the family. When it comes to him, most of us submit to him. You can say our minds are put aside for that moment to carry out his instructions," she said.
In February last year, Chai filed the divorce petition in a London court, seeking a GBP500 million (approximately RM2.75 billion) settlement.
Chai wanted the English Court to decide on the divorce proceedings as she claimed she was no longer domiciled in Malaysia since 1980, and currently lived in England.
Khoo, who is chairman of international investment holdings company, Malayan United Industries Bhd which is primarily engaged in retailing, hotels, food and confectionery, financial services and property, and currently resides in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, has filed the divorce petition in the Malaysian court.
The couple married in 1970 and has five children.
The hearing continues Friday.
Bernama
Fri Nov 07 2014
Chai (right) says Khoo (left) controls the family much and most of them submit to him. - File Photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.