'Zainul Rijal can represent Taib's son'

The Syariah High Court has allowed Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, a member of the Federal Territory Islamic Council, to represent Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib.

Justice Mohamad Abdullah found that Zainul Rijal is not representing the council in this case.

"Hence, his presence in representing Mahmud Abu Bekir would not prejudice the case," he ruled.

Mahmud Abu Bekir's former wife Shahnaz A Majid had applied to bar Zainul Rijal(left) from taking part in the proceedings, arguing that as a council member he can play a role in determining the appointment of judges.

Roslizam Rahim and Abdul Halim Bahri represented Zainul Rijal.

Zainul Rijal and Saadiah Din are representing Mahmud Abu Bekir, while Rafie Mohd Shafie and Akbardin Abdul Kader are  representing Shahnaz in the post-divorce settlement of joint matrimonial assets.

Mahmud Abu Bekir son of Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, was not present today. The court was to have continued hearing Shahnaz's testimony.

Zainul Rijal informed the court, however, that his client is in London to be with his wife who is facing surgery.

"She is scheduled to have follow-up treatment there on Feb 2. He has to be with his rightful wife," he said.

Rafie and Akbardin want the court to ensure Mahmud Abu Bekir's presence, so that he can verify the testimony and produce the necessary documents.

Saadiah said Shahnaz’s lawyers should provide documents to prove that Mahmud Abu Bekir (left in photo) can pay the RM100 million mutaah (gift) that is the subject of a claim before the court.

However, Rafie said that, inmutaah applications, it is not necessary for documentation to be provided.

"I also feel that a RM100 million gift is like kacang putih(peanuts) compared to his assets worldwide," he said.

"Please make sure of your client's attendance as he has been giving a lot of excuses for not attending hearings.”

Justice Mohamad fixed March 12 and 13 for the case to continue.

Apart from the mutaah claim, Shahnaz is seeking RM300 million in joint matrimonial assets.

[More to follow]