A witness told the Syariah High Court here today that her late mother had asked her to take care of the two children who lost their parents in a fatal accident at the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway in May last year.
Yusnidah Husain, 48, who is the aunt of the two children, said her mother, Normah Toso, had asked her to take care of the children as other members of the family were preoccupied with other matters.
"The defendant's family and also my family had agreed that (after the accident) the children will be put under my mother's care, and my mother asked me to help take care of them as the situation was quite hectic and nobody seems to care about the children's wellbeing.
"Hamrizal Husain (my younger brother) was busy managing matters concerning the deceased's insurance, while Muhammad Faizznur Asyraf Husain (my youngest brother) was busy preparing for his wedding reception.
"The defendant, Wirda Syamsuddin, 53, (the children's maternal grandmother) left the country to perform umrah just four days after the accident," she said.
Yusnidah, as the plaintiff, said this when asked by syarie counsel Mahyuddin Md Zahari who represented her in the hadanah (right to custody) claim for Nur Firuza Amira Fairuz Nizam, 8, and Nur Firuza Aqila Fairuz Nizam, 4.
She filed the claim of hadanah on June 2, 2015, under Section 81 of the Islamic family Law (Federal Territories) 1984, and named Wirda, the children's maternal grandmother as the defendant.
On Aug 11 the same year, the court granted temporary custody of the children to her.
On May 2, Yusnidah's brother, Fairuz Nizam Husain, 35, his wife Nova Safitri Azhari, 27, and their six-month-old baby girl Nur Firuza Annisa, were killed in an accident involving several MyVi cars.
They leave behind their two elder daughters Nur Firuza Amira and Nur Firuza Aqila.
In her testimony, Yusnidah said all her other siblings were aware of the fact that she was entrusted by their mother to take care of the girls and that they had no objection.
She said only in two occasions did the defendant come to visit the children this year, namely on the public holiday in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday and on the 10th day of Aidilfitri.
She also told the court that the defendant had never contacted her before coming to visit her granddaughters.
The trial before Syarie judge Muhamad Abdul Karim Wahab continues on Jan 11, 2017.
The defendant was represented by syarie counsel Yusfa Hanis Yusoff. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Nov 09 2016
Yusnidah filed the claim of hadanah on June 2, 2015, under Section 81 of the Islamic family Law (Federal Territories) 1984, and named Wirda, the children's maternal grandmother as the defendant.
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.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
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.