Rina Harun under fire for 'photo op' with abused child Bella

PETALING JAYA: Social media users have not held back their ire over what they consider an "insensitive" visit by a minister to child abuse victim Bella on Monday (April 18).

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun's visit, reportedly with an entourage of media personnel, was termed as "self-promotion" by some while others said it was wrong on many levels.

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"Stop with the photo ops @RinaMohdHarun. It is not about you documenting proof that you care or you putting an act to 'buat kerja' (seen to be working). Insensitive and clueless on child protection," said Twitter user Tina Z.

"Bella is not ready to accept visitors or outsiders, so why bring reporters, videographers and photographers which could scare her," tweeted @wahidahu55ain.

"This is wrong (on) so many ethical, moral and professional levels," said another Twitter user Munirah Mazlan.

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Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, 30, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of neglecting and abusing the teenager, who has Down syndrome, to the point of injury and emotional trauma.

The case has attracted a great deal of attention nationwide due to the severity of the alleged abuse.

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