A housewife, who made the headlines after she pleaded guilty to causing grievous hurt to her maid and sentenced to eight years jail for the offence, was issued a final warning by the Appeals Court here today for failing to appear in court for the fourth consecutive time for the appeal proceeding.
Judge Datuk Seri Kamaludin Md Said, who led a panel of three judges, said the court would not compromise with Rozita Mohamad Ali, 46, again because every time the court set the dates for the hearing, the woman failed to appear and always gave the same reason, asthma and knee pain, for her absence.
“The court cannot accept this anymore. Other people also fall sick, but they come to court. I’m giving her a last chance and if she still does not appear on the next date, the court will proceed with the case,” he added.
Sitting with Judge Kamaludin were judges Datuk Azizah Nawawi and Datuk Wira Ahmad Nasfy Yasin.
He also reminded Rozita’s bailor, Rosilah, who is her sister, that it was her responsibility to ensure Rozita’s presence in court on the next date, failing which the RM20,000 bail would be forfeited.
Judge Kamaludin: Why is your sister always on MC? If she is always on MC, when can the case proceed?
Rosliah: She didn’t do it on purpose. She does have health problems.
Judge Kamaludin: I was told she has health problems on trial dates.
Rosliah: But, it is confirmed by the doctor.
At this juncture, Judge Kamaludin raised his voice and told Rosilah to answer to the question asked.
“I ask, you just answer. This is court (proceeding), the court wants to know,” he said, adding that Rozita would be sick and produce a medical certificate (MC) again if the court were to fix another date.
He also told lawyer Muhammad Amiraizat Abdul Rani, representing Rozita, to infom his client to be present on the next date.
“Even if she has knee pain, she can still come on a wheel chair. If it happened once or twice, the court does not mind, but as the deputy public prosecutor said she always did not come on the dates fixed and the reason was the same, asthma and knee pain,” he said and fixed Sept 24 to hear the appeal.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Ku Hayati Ku Haron informed the court that today was the fourth time Rozita failed to appear for the proceeding and the reason given was that she had been admitted to Tawakkal Hospital.
“Only today the respondent produced a medical certificate, previously there was none. Based on the medical certificate, she has asthma and knee pain,” she added.
Muhammad Amiraizat then told the court that his client was admitted to KPJ Tawakkal last July 16 and that he was informed by her sister that she could not be present today.
Today’s proceeding was fixed to hear the prosecution’s appeal against a decision by the Shah Alam High Court in sentencing Rozita to eight years’ jail for abusing her domestic maid.
She was convicted of abusing Indonesian Suyanti Sutrinso, 19, with a knife, a mop, umbrella, iron rod and cloth hanger at a house in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya between 7 am and 12 noon on June 21, 2016.
Rozita also filed a cross-appeal against the sentence.
On March 15, 2018, Rozita was placed on a good behaviour bond for five years with surety of RM20,00 for causing grievous hurt on an Indonesian domestic maid.
Judge Mohammed Mokhzani Mokhtar meted out the punishment after the woman pleaded guilty to an amended charge with causing grievous hurt on the maid. She was initially charged under Section 307 of the Penal Code with attempted murder.
The earlier good behaviour bond of five years, the punishment for a 'Datin' who hurt her maid was set aside by the High Court here today and replaced with a jail term of eight years.
On March 29, 2018, the High Court sentenced the woman to eight years’ jail after setting aside the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court order sentencing her to be bound over for five years on a good behaviour bond.
Judicial Commissioner Datuk Seri Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah was of the opinion that she did not deserve the good behaviour bond imposed on her which was inappropriate
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Jul 20 2020
The judge said the court would not compromise with Rozita Mohamad Ali, 46, again because every time the court set the dates for the hearing, the woman failed to appear. - FILEpic
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.
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.