Zayn Rayyan's parents would have never harmed him, says grandfather

The Star

6 days ago

PETALING JAYA: The grandfather of the late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin has told the Sessions Court here that his son and daughter-in-law were devoted parents and would never have neglected or harmed the six-year-old boy.
Zahari Mohd Reba, 57, testified during the defence proceedings of Ismanira Abdul Manaf, saying both she and her husband, Zaim Ikhwan, loved their autistic son dearly.
"Zayn was my beloved grandson. If either of his parents were not working, I would make sure they came over to spend time with him.
"He was very close to his parents. I believe my son (Zaim Ikhwan) and daughter-in-law (Ismanira) were not involved in his death," Zahari said during examination-in-chief by defence lawyer Haresh Mahadevan.
The second defence witness added that he was heartbroken by the loss of his eldest grandchild.
When questioned by Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Zahari confirmed that Zayn Rayyan, who was autistic, required constant care and shared a close bond with both parents.
He also agreed with the prosecution's suggestion that Ismanira and Zaim treated Zayn Rayyan and his younger sibling equally.
On Monday, Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case and ordered Ismanira to enter her defence. Her husband Zaim Ikhwan, 30, was discharged and acquitted of the same charge.
The couple had been accused of neglecting Zayn Rayyan in a manner likely to cause physical harm between noon on Dec 5 and 9.55pm on Dec 6, 2023, in the vicinity of Block R of Idaman Apartment, Damansara Damai and a nearby river.
They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' jail, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.
The trial continues tomorrow. – Bernama