'I didn’t abuse Bella' - Siti Bainun

KUALA LUMPUR - Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali told the Sessions Court here today that she had never abused, stepped on or kicked Bella.

She said the bite marks and burn marks on the teenager were caused by a fight between the victim and a former resident known as Balqis.

Reading her witness statement on the second day of her trial, the accused said allegations of her abusing the victim were merely made up stories.

The 31-year old who read her statement without a lawyer representing her said she had never forced Bella to stand still for a long time.

“There were no reports showing that Bella’s legs were swollen even though it was said that I had forced her to stand for a long duration.

“I didn’t abuse Bella, if I was that cruel why would I try to treat her wounds, there was no need for me to find the best medication or provide her with treatment and waste my own money,” she said.

Siti Bainun who was the first defence witness said as a mother, she had treated Bella well and brought the latter to seek follow-up treatments at a clinic in Setapak.

She said this was supported by the results of a medical examination by second prosecution witness Emergency and Trauma Department doctor Dr S. Meenambigai that the teenager’s lungs, abdomen and legs were normal.

On Aug 20, 2021, Siti Bainun was charged with neglecting the Bella 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.

On Nov 24, last year, she was ordered to enter her defence on all charges.

The trial before judge Izralizam Sanusi continues on Feb 20.