SITI Bainun Ahd Razali’s two remaining lawyers have withdrawn from her case, in which she is charged with neglecting and abusing a girl with Down Syndrome known as Bella. 

The two lawyers are Nurul Hafidzah Hassan and Asiah Abd Jalil. 

Yesterday, three of the Rumah Bonda founder’s lawyers – Mohammad Farhan Maaruf, Nur Ellena Mohamed Razif, and lead defence counsel Nur A’minahtul Mardiah Md Nor – were reported to have withdrawn from the case. 

With the withdrawal of all five lawyers, Siti Bainun currently does not have legal representation.

In today’s proceedings, judge Izralizam Sanusi told Siti Bainun that the Sessions Court received the notices of withdrawal filed by Nurul Hafidzah and Asiah yesterday.

“I received their notices at 9pm yesterday. 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 juncture, Siti Bainun was apparently overwhelmed as she wiped away tears. 

Izralizam then advised the woman to quickly appoint new lawyers as she has every right to do so, subject to compliance with the court’s orders and procedures, to ensure a smooth progression of the case. 

“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 will appoint a new lawyer. 

The court then set January 26 and 27 for the resumption of the trial. 

On November 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 provides for imprisonment for up to 20 years, a fine of RM50,000, or both, upon conviction. – Bernama, January 17, 2023.