Review Orang Asli’s child custody case thoroughly, Pahang govt tells legal advisers

KUANTAN - The Pahang government requested the state’s legal advisers to review in detail the existing jurisdiction that coincides with the law in court following the case of dispute over an Orang Asli child custody in the state.

Pahang Islamic Religious Affairs, Rural Development and Orang Asli Affairs exco Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said the step was taken to see if an appeal process or claim could be made by the child or family members that experienced abuse.

He said this following a case of child custody rights between a divorced Orang Asli parent.

He said the issue had gotten more serious as the mother and father were still fighting to claim their respective rights.

“Actually, no party can interfere in Court affairs when a decision has been made.

“However, the state government has ordered the state legal advisers to examine in detail the existing jurisdiction that coincides with the existing law in court whether it is possible for the child or family members to make an appeal or claim if exists an element of abuse.

“This aims to help defend the rights of the oppressed group, especially the children,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Previously, a one minute and 31 seconds footage uploaded on Liputan 7 showed a distraught mother and daughter at Kuantan Court had gone viral on Tik Tok with over two million views so far.

He added that the state government symphatised for the child if she was indeed abused by any family members.

“If it is proven she was abused then the state government will not remain silent. The child’s welfare will not be neglected, either from religious point of view or education and welfare,” Syed Ibrahim said.

Moreover, he said the state government had also ordered the Pahang Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) and Pahang Islamic Religious Department (Jaip) to examine and help in matters that were allowed by the law if the child ask for help.

“We are confident that this matter does not trouble any party and the child’s right can be defended as best as possible according to the jurisdiction of the court,” he added.