KUALA LUMPUR: Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali has re-appointed one of the five lawyers who withdrew from representing her to handle her defence proceedings on charges of neglecting and abusing a teenage girl with Down syndrome known as Bella.
Siti Bainun, 31, told the court that she had appointed Mohammad Farhan Maaruf to represent her in the defence trial.
"I have also informed the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK) regarding his reappointment," said the woman at her defence proceedings before Sessions Court Judge Izralizam Sanusi today.
Mohammad Farhan, when confirming the matter, said he was re-appointed by Siti Bainun yesterday.
Subsequently, deputy public prosecutor Zilfinaz Abbas requested the court to record the chronology of the withdrawal of the lawyers representing Siti Bainun in the case.
"I request the court to record that Mohammad Farhan has withdrawn (from the case) on Jan 13, followed by lawyers Nur Ellena Mohamed Razif and Asiah Abd Jalil.
"Lawyer Nur'Aminahtul Mardiah Md Nor applied to withdraw in open court, and lawyer Nurul Hafidzah Hassan made a similar request in writing," he said.
Following the withdrawal of the five lawyers, Siti Bainun was left with no legal representation in court.
Last Jan 26, Judge Izralizam ordered Siti Bainun to enter her defence on the charges even though she had no legal representation, saying that the proceedings should continue so as not to disrupt the progress of the case.
On Nov 24 last year, the court ordered Siti Bainun to enter her defence on the charges of neglecting and abusing Bella after the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie case against her at the end of the prosecution case.
She was alleged to have committed the offence in a condominium unit in Wangsa Maju between February and June 2021.
The charges were framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which carries imprisonment for up to 20 years or a fine of RM50,000 or both, if found guilty.
The hearing before Izralizam continues.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Feb 20 2023
Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali has re-appointed one of the five lawyers who withdrew from representing her to handle her defence proceedings on charges of neglecting and abusing Bella. - BERNAMA/Filepic
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.