The accused: Siti Bainun is facing two charges of neglecting and abusing Bella, a teen with Down Syndrome. She was alleged to have committed the offence at a condominium unit in Wangsa Maju between February and June 2021. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, the Rumah Bonda founder charged with neglecting and abusing the Down Syndrome girl known as Bella, has been left without representation as all five of her lawyers have withdrawn themselves.
The two lawyers who did so yesterday were Nurul Hafidzah Hassan and Asiah Abd Jalil.
Three of her five lawyers, namely lead defence counsel Nur A’minahtul Mardiah Md Nor, Mohammad Farhan Maaruf and Nur Ellena Mohamed Razif, each from a different firm, also withdrew themselves from the case recently.
With the withdrawal of all five lawyers, Siti Bainun currently does not have legal representation in court.
In proceedings yesterday, Sessions Court judge Izralizam Sanusi told Siti Bainun that the court received the notices of withdrawal filed by Nurul Hafidzah and Asiah on Monday.
“I received their notices at 9pm. I will give you a new date and you have to appoint new lawyers as soon as possible. If you feel disappointed and dissatisfied with the lawyers, you can lodge a report with the Malaysian Bar,” he said.
At this point, Siti Bainun was seen wiping away tears.
Izralizam then advised her to quickly appoint new lawyers as she has every right to do so, subject to compliance with the court’s orders and procedures so as to ensure the case runs smoothly.
“I don’t want any issue saying that you were not given ample chance to defend yourself. You can also get all the documents for the trial from the five firms immediately because you have to defend yourself.
“(But) do not engage lawyers from three or four firms ... one lawyer is enough as long as they can commit.
“If you are dilly-dallying in appointing a new lawyer, I will continue the hearing of the case without one,” the judge stressed.
Siti Bainun, however, said she had applied for legal assistance from the National Legal Aid Foundation and would appoint a new lawyer.
The court then set Jan 26 and 27 for the defence trial to resume.
On Nov 24 last year, the judge ordered Siti Bainun to enter her defence on two charges of neglecting and abusing Bella after the prosecution managed to establish a prima facie case against her at the end of the prosecution case.
Siti Bainun, 30, was alleged to have committed the offence at 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. — Bernama
