Domestic worker's death – AG says appealing acquittal of employer

The Attorney-General's Chambers is appealing against the acquittal of an employer who was charged with murdering her 21-year-old Indonesian domestic worker Adelina Sau (also reported as Jerima Sao/Lisao).

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas told Malaysiakini that the matter is now with the Court of Appeal.

“We are waiting for a hearing date,” he added.

Thomas was responding to a report in FMT, which quoted lawyer Anbananthan Yathiraju, who is representing the employer Ambika MA Shan, as stating that his client does not face any further action.

On April 18, the Penang High Court acquitted Ambika, 61, of murdering Adelina after the prosecution asked for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA).

'AG not consulted'

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the matter told Malaysiakini that the prosecution made the decision without consulting Thomas.

“The AG was not consulted on this. He was busy handling matters related to the SRC International case involving former premier Najib Abdul Razak.

“It was the AG who decided to appeal against the acquittal,” added the source.

Following her acquittal, Anbananthan had told the media that a forensic expert had testified that no traces of chemicals or acid were found on Adelina, who was said to have died of multiple organ failure.

He said statements from the prosecution's witnesses, which included his client's neighbour and a journalist who had tipped off the authorities, were hearsay evidence.

The lawyer said when the case against Ambika resumed on April 18, the prosecution asked the High Court for a DNAA ruling but he had asked the court to consider acquitting her due to her age and health condition.

Ambananthan added that after hearing submissions from both parties, the judge exercised his discretion under Section 254(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code and acquitted and discharged the accused. - Mkini