Judge slams Siti Bainun: 'Even an animal would not inflict such harm'

New Straits Times

a day ago

PUTRAJAYA: A Court of Appeal judge today expressed deep outrage over the injuries inflicted on Down Syndrome teenager Bella, declaring that "even an animal would not inflict such harm," after reviewing graphic images of the abuse she suffered at the hands of Rumah Bonda founder, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali.
Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah had requested that the prosecution present the photographs before the three-member bench delivered its unanimous decision to dismiss the 33-year-old's appeal against her conviction and 12-year prison sentence for abusing and neglecting Bella, who is now clinically 18 years old.
Azman, sitting with Datuk Azmi Ariffin and Datuk Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz, viewed the photographs displayed on the bench's monitors and explained by deputy public prosecutor Nor Azizah Mohamad.
After several minutes of deliberation, Azman, who delivered the judgment, said that Siti Bainun, entrusted with Bella's care, should have shown compassion.
"No animal would even think about inflicting injuries as we have just seen. Let this serve as a reminder to the appellant and society that they must respect the law and its consequences. We cannot simply act against someone as we wish, especially someone vulnerable," he said.
Siti Bainun, standing in the dock beside a prison warder, appeared composed while her family members observed from the public gallery.
She maintained a stoic expression, occasionally staring at the courtroom floor, and was immediately escorted out of the dock after proceedings, waving goodbye to her family. She is serving her sentence at Kajang Women's Prison.
Several activists who had championed Bella's cause were also present in court.
Azman said that the injuries sustained by Bella, who was 13 at the time, were corroborated by eyewitness accounts, medical officers, and specialists.
He said that the injuries were non-accidental, not self-inflicted, and occurred over multiple incidents rather than a single event.
Medical reports and photographs revealed serious injuries, including burn marks on her underarms and old wounds on her head, face, back, stomach, and thighs.
"Bella was under the appellant's care through a magistrate's court order from Sept 24, 2020 until she turns 18. On the clash of evidence regarding SP5 as raised by the defence, it was immaterial and did not affect the prosecution's case. SP5 remained a credible and trusted witness with no ulterior motives, acting only on the appellant's instructions," he said.
Deputy public prosecutor Nor Azizah Mohamad described the charges as serious, urging the court to maintain the sentence imposed by the Sessions Court, which she said was proportionate.
"Bella is a disabled girl who was abused and neglected by someone entrusted with her care. The injuries are severe, and while the wounds may heal, the trauma and scars will remain for life. Disabled children should be protected, yet Bella suffered at the hands of her caregiver," she said.
In response, defence lawyer Mohd Haijan Omar argued that Siti Bainun, convicted on May 3, 2023, had already served over two years in prison. He requested that the court consider her status as a first-time offender and the alleged severity of the injuries in seeking a reduction of her sentence.
Earlier, the panel dismissed Siti Bainun's application to present new evidence, citing a lack of exceptional circumstances and failure to meet the required legal threshold.
On May 2 last year, then Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Datuk Noorin Badaruddin (now a Court of Appeal judge) upheld the Sessions Court's decision by Judge Izralizam Sanusi, which sentenced Siti Bainun to 12 years' imprisonment for the abuse and neglect of Bella.