SHAH ALAM – Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi said she could not make any comments on the case involving 14-year old down syndrome girl Bella, as it is still ongoing in court.
She said despite not being physically present at the proceedings, she has been following the case closely.
"Since the case is ongoing, I have been legally advised to refrain from making any statements as it could interfere with the legal process,” she said in a statement, today.
On the statement by an individual alleging that she did not care about the case and should have been in court during the hearings, Ras Adiba said she found that the remarks were unfair.
The individual was said to be one of the people fighting for justice for Bella.
Ras Adiba who is a representative of the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) community in Dewan Negara said her door is always open for the community and those who serve the community’s interests and championing the rights for disable people.
"I am here to articulate the issues which will advance the PwD’s rights,” she said.
The Bernama chairman also denied claims made by the same person that the national news agency had controlled the media and caused the trial to not be reported by other news organisations.
She said the news agency has been reporting news in the best way possible and had no control over the other media agencies.
"This is an emotional time for everyone involved and of course my concerns are on how to protect the PwD community.
"The images on how Bella was being treated were heartbreaking and like everyone, the PwD community wants answers and for justice to be served.
"I have faith in the legal process of the country and as long as the case is ongoing, I could not make any specific comments on it,” she said.
She had also in the statement thanked the Down Syndrome Association which voiced out their views on the issue, as well as activists, volunteers, non-governmental organisations and media members who have been giving the case coverage.
As a Senator for the PwD, she said she always welcomes those who serve the community’s interests to meet, to monitor the ongoing developments.
"Let us all pray for the best and pray that justice is served for Bella,” she said.
On Aug 20, last year, Rumah Bonda welfare home founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, as a person having the care of the child was charged with neglecting Bella in a manner likely to cause the victim physical or emotional injury.
She was hauled to court again on Nov 20, the same year, and charged with abusing the girl.
The offences were allegedly committed at a condominium in Wangsa Maju, between February and June, last year.
The trial continues at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on April 13.