RUMAH Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali has reappointed one of the five lawyers who withdrew from representing her to handle her defence on charges of child neglect and abuse.

Siti Bainun, 31, told the court that she had appointed Mohammad Farhan Maaruf to represent her in her defence.

“I have also informed the National Legal Aid Foundation about his reappointment,” Siti Bainun said during proceedings before Sessions Court Judge Izralizam Sanusi today.

Farhan confirmed his reappointment, which came into effect yesterday.

Subsequently, deputy public prosecutor Zilfinaz Abbas requested the court to record the chronology of the withdrawal of Siti Bainun’s lawyers during the trial.

“I request the court to record that Farhan withdrew on January 13, followed by lawyers Nur Ellena Mohamed Razif and Asiah Abd Jalil.

“Lawyer Nur’Aminahtul Mardiah Md Nor applied to withdraw in open court, and lawyer Nurul Hafidzah Hassan made a similar request in writing,” he said.

Following their withdrawal, Siti Bainun was left with no legal representation.

On January 26, Judge Izralizam insisted that Siti Bainun enter her defence, despite the fact that she was no longer represented.

Previously, on November 24, 2022, the court ordered Siti Bainun to enter her defence on the charges of neglecting and abusing Bella, a Down’s Syndrome teenager in Siti Bainun’s care.

She was alleged to have committed the offence in 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.

The hearing before Izralizam continues. – Bernama, February 20, 2023.