Siti Bainun cries in dock after defence team quit
KUALA LUMPUR - Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali cried inside the witness stand, today, after two more of her lawyers withdraw themselves from representing her.
Siti Bainun is on trial at the Sessions Court, here, for neglecting and abusing a 13-year old Down Syndrome girl known as Bella.
She was seen wiping off her tears when judge Izralizam Sanusi said the court received the withdrawal notice from lawyers Asiah Jalil and Nurul Hafidzah Hassan at 9pm, yesterday.
With the withdrawal of the two lawyers, Siti Bainun was left with no defence team in her trial at the defence stage as all of the lawyers from five law firms were no longer representing her.
Izralizam: Did you know that they wanted to withdraw themselves?
Siti Bainun: Asiah told me last Saturday that she could withdraw because there was an overlap in her schedule, but she didn't actually say she wanted to withdraw. It's okay, I'll try to discuss it again.
Izralizam: I also received the lawyer's withdrawal notice filed at 9pm last night, if there is an overlap of dates, the lawyer needs to make an application with the grounds for the court to consider.
The judge also advised the accused to file a complaint to the Bar Council, if she felt victimised by the actions of her lawyers.
"The court does not blame you, but if you do not give instructions, how are they going to prepare?" the judge said.
Siti Bainun: I don't know what their schedule is like.
Izralizam: Do you want them to withdraw?.
Siti Bainun: Of course not.
Izralizam then advised Siti Bainun to appoint a more responsible lawyer to handle her case.
"One person is enough to handle this case, if there are many law firms involved but this kind of thing happens, it does not benefit you either," the judge added.
The court then fixed Jan 26 and 27 for the defence trial to resume.
The accused was also ordered to inform the court about the status of the appointment of a new lawyer on the date.
Yesterday, it was reported that three lawyers representing Siti Bainun withdrew from representing her.
The lawyers were Mohammad Farhan Maaruf, Nur Ellena Mohamed Razif and Nur A'minahtul Mardiah Md Nor.
Mohammad Farhan and Nur Ellena filed the written application last Friday while Nur A'minahtul withdrew herself during an open court proceeding.
On Nov 24 last year, Siti Bainun, 31, was ordered to enter her defence on the two charges.
On Aug 20, 2021, Siti Bainun was charged with neglecting the victim until the latter suffered physical and emotional injuries.
She was hauled to court again on Nov 20, the same year for abusing the same victim.
