Syariah Court allows Khalid Samad to enter into polygamous marriage

PETALING JAYA: The Syariah High Court has allowed former Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad to enter into a polygamous marriage as he has agreed to fulfil the rights of his wife, Dr Zaiton Abu Bakar.

Utusan Malaysia reported that the decision was made by Judge Abdul Halim Abdullah on Wednesday (Jan 19), who allowed the application from Dr Zaiton to settle the matter amicably with the Shah Alam MP.

“We have made an agreement between Khalid and the defendant, among which is that the wife's alimony is recorded and decided in front of a judge," said Zaiton's lawyer Nurfarhana Abd Manaf.

“Khalid as the plaintiff agreed to allow the ownership of the bungalow they are currently occupying along with a penthouse which are both located in Shah Alam to be converted to Dr Zaiton," she said.

Nurfahana added that Khalid has also agreed to give Zaiton a car that is being currently used as well as additional allowance to her in the form of a credit card.

“The agreement also records the alimony for the future wife that will be given,” said Nurfahana when contacted by Utusan Malaysia.

Nurfarhana added that the change of the name and properties and cars to Zaiton will be done once the hire purchase and installment payments are settled.

On December 8, Dr Zaiton filed a defense application and counterclaim against her husband's polygamy application in the Syariah High Court before Court Registrar Norbyetty Mohd Nasir, who allowed it and set for re-mention on December 20.

Meanwhile, Khalid declined to comment further on the court's decision when contacted, saying that his case should not be linked to his stance in Parti Amanah Negara.

"It's a personal issue, there's no need to make a fuss, I just follow the rules. My suggestion is that if there is anything to do with the law, follow the rules. I can comment on other issues, but this issue is my personal matter,” he added.