JOHOR BARU: The Johor Crown Prince's legal team will hold a watching brief at the Court of Appeal tomorrow in the case against founder of Rumah Bonda, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, found guilty of neglecting and abusing a Down Syndrome teenager known as Bella.
The lawyers, Datuk Khairul Anwar Rahmat, Datuk Baljit Singh, Datuk Ikbal Salam and Mohd Radzi Yatiman, were appointed by Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his consort Che' Puan Besar Khaleeda Bustamam.
Their presence at tomorrow's appeal proceedings, is the continuation of Tunku Ismail's decree.
The royal couple have decreed for the lawyers to hold a watching brief to ensure justice for Bella, until all stages of appeals are completed.
The lawyers have submitted comprehensive reports to the Johor palace on the case proceedings with suggestions for improving existing laws.
They also suggested for increased enforcement and awareness campaigns, as determination measures against child abuse.
"Bella is healthy and happy under the care and supervision of the Social Welfare Department," the lawyers' statement read.
"Bella in the early stage, had displayed the physical injuries (and trauma) she suffered, but is now recovering. She understands that a judge (Sessions Court Judge Tuan Isralizam Sanusi) had handed down a 12-year prison sentence against Siti Bainun."