RUMAH Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali told the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today that there was no need for her to abuse the Down Syndrome teenage girl known as Bella as she loved the teen more than any other child in her care.

Siti Bainun, 31, who has had Bella since July 2020, also claimed that the teen was a funny and sweet girl who loved to sing to herself in front of a mirror, all of which made her enjoy teasing the teen.

Throughout the time Bella was in her care, Siti Bainun said that she had never received any money, collected donations or secured assistance to support and manage the girl.

“I sold bread, cakes, pasta and took catering orders to support seven of my children, including Bella. For catering, I would do the cooking myself at my mother’s home and not ask my children to help me. They helped me without being forced,” she said when reading her witness statement at her defence proceedings against charges of neglecting and abusing Bella in front of Judge Izralizam Sanusi.

She said the children under her care and those living in Rumah Bonda were taught to be independent, disciplined and loving towards each other, even though many of them were from less fortunate backgrounds.

“Bella, I let her sweep the floor and learn to wipe dishes because she didn’t know how to wash dishes. So, I or her sisters would wash her plates. I taught her how to manage things on her own. We didn’’t stop her from being independent, but she is also a special child who needs attention.

“In my mind, if I’m gone one day, these children will know their responsibilities and will be able to take care of themselves. But I didn’t force and order her (Bella) to do work like the others, as I’m aware of what she’s able to do,” she testified.

Siti Bainun said that she set up Rumah Bonda with her father’s inheritance and planned to move to the condominium in Wangsa Maju to offer a better and more comfortable place for Bella.

About Bella being tied, she said the teen liked to wander at night to look for snacks to eat and had drank a whole carton of milk previously, causing her to suffer from diarrhoea, something the fifth prosecution witness Yasmin Nahar Mahmood had admitted knowing about.

“Yasmin had a cloth she attached to Bella’s leg to hers, so if Bella got up to wander, Yasmin could wake up and tell her to go back to sleep.

“That’s why when asked who tied her up, Bella said Shomin. Yasmin herself admitted in her statement that she was Shomin. but the knot was not strong and was only done for Bella’s own safety. The proof is that Bella does not have any injuries or swelling from being tied up, unlike what the prosecution witnesses claimed,” she added.

Siti Bainun is charged with neglecting and abusing the 13-year-old girl and causing her to suffer physical and emotional injuries at a condominium in Wangsa Maju from February to June 2021.

The charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 carries a sentence of 20 years’ jail or a fine of RM50,000 or both if convicted.

The trial continues tomorrow.– Bernama, February 21, 2023.