Umno president denies involvement in Bella's case
SHAH ALAM - Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied any involvement in the court trial of 13-year-old Bella, a Down Syndrome teenager.
In a Facebook post yesterday (April 17), Ahmad Zahid said he was disappointed to be linked in the ongoing court case.
"As a human being like all of you, of course, I'm hoping that justice for Bella can be upheld. Too many heartbreaking incidents were reported in this case and surely everyone wants the truth.
"But I'm disappointed being accused that somehow I was linked with this case," he said.
Ahmad Zahid admitted that he helped many individuals financially by contributing to charity throughout his work in politics.
Yet he claimed that he does not protect any of them if they are accused of being involved in criminal acts.
"Just by associating my picture with the accused is also unfounded, as a leader where I might reject anyone’s request to be photographed.
"Do not be too quick to accuse and draw conclusions from what you read and see and let the court determine the truth through a fair and equitable trial process," he said.
This follows after a picture of Zahid along with Siti Bainun Ahd Razali was circulated online recently.
In the statement, Ahmad Zahid also said that allegations of him trying to influence the ongoing court trial of Bella’s case were unfounded.
"If I have such an ability wouldn't it be better for me to 'protect' my case. I hope those who are persistently trying to slander me once again for the sake of politics, to stop." he said.
Zahid also called for the end of the politics of hatred and slander ahead of the 15th general election.
"I would like to stress here that let us not be easily swayed by allegations and misinformation.
"Study and research every news and story that is being circulated, if you are lazy to find the truth then don't spread misinformation instead.
Siti Bainun, 30, is charged with two counts of neglecting and abusing Bella that resulted in her sustaining physical and emotional injuries in a condominium in Wangsa Maju here between February and June 2021, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment or an RM50,000 fine or both.
