The Pahang Syariah Lawyers Association (PPSNP) today urged the public to understand and respect the law when discussing an ongoing custody battle involving a former Orang Asli couple.
The legal tussle between non-Muslim Roslan Mohamad and his ex-wife Nur Aisyah Naadhirah Hasbollah is over their nine-year-old daughter.
Aisyah recently converted to Islam with her daughter.
PPSNP chairperson Mohd Rosli Yusoff said they were aware of the public's concern over the case after a viral video showed the child crying.
The incident occurred when the Kuantan High Court ordered the youngster to be separated from her mother several days ago.
"Since many were confused thinking that the case happened at the Kuantan Syariah Court, we want to stress that the proceedings were at the Kuantan High Court.
"Since a lawyer is representing the mother, we believe the lawyer has and will take the appropriate steps for the interests of the mother and her daughter," he added.
Rosli also condemned those who spread wild speculations and baseless accusations against the country's judicial institutions.
The viral video Rosli was referring to shows the girl in tears as she was reluctant to be separated from Aisyah.
This came after the High Court issued a habeas corpus order for the girl to be handed to Roslan on May 25.
Aisyah's lawyer Muhammad Amin Anuar told Malaysiakini yesterday that apart from the habeas corpus proceeding, there is a separate battle for the child's custody.
He adds the custody case is still ongoing and will be heard at the same court before the same judge.
Two days after the court issued the habeas corpus order, Aisyah reportedly complained to the police against her former spouse for alleged child neglect.
Pahang police chief Yahaya Othman confirmed that police had received the report and said the investigation is underway under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
So far, three witnesses have been summoned to give their statements to police.
It was learned that an NGO called YCC Centre is running a legal campaign for Aisyah to get custody of her daughter.
The NGO, which has expressed concern that the girl’s Islamic belief may be at stake under her father's care, said they were hoping the Welfare Department could take care of the girl until the court decides the case.
Malaysiakini is still gathering more details into the case.
Roslan's lawyer Gene Anand Vendargon and the Welfare Department declined to comment when contacted.
On May 29, the department applied to the Pekan Magistrate Court for temporary custody of the girl but was rejected.
The Kuantan High Court also ordered the department to provide a show cause letter by June 1 for taking away the child from her father.
This was because Roslan had been given the habeas corpus order, according to media reports. - Mkini
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