KUALA LUMPUR – It did not escape public attention that Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun had been quiet regarding the trial involving special needs teenager Bella until Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Idris Sultan Ibrahim voiced his concern.
Many netizens today took to social media to pan the minister after the crown prince made mention of Rina in his statement.
Responding to her statement today uploaded on her Facebook account, user Rafi Ahmad called for Rina’s resignation and labelled her an “embarrassment”.
“Shouldn’t the ministry under her be responsible and the pioneer and champion of defending orphans/special needs children who have been victimised?
“Therefore, what action has (sic) the minister taken when the case was first revealed?”
Rafi also questioned about the actions taken by her team, including her political secretary, press secretary, special officers, and others. He asked whether they were sleeping on the job or if the ministry no longer existed.
He also asked why Rina was only expressing solidarity after the crown prince voiced his concern.
“Where was the solidarity for Bella when the whole of Malaysia had condemned and widely talked about Bella’s abuse?”
Rafi’s comments received at least 800 responses at the time of this writing, most of which supported his views.
Rina said she and the team from her ministry are ready to have an audience with the crown prince and his wife Che’ Puan Khaleeda Bustamam to explain the latest developments in the trial and actions taken by the ministry so far.
She added that her ministry will work closely with Tunku Ismail’s lawyers and that his gesture is a meaningful one to help seek justice for the teen.
Tunku Ismail made the offer last night, saying he had contacted his lawyers and discussed Bella’s case with them.
Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, 30, has been charged with two counts of neglect and abuse between February and June 2021. The trial before judge Izralizam Sanusi continues at the Kuala Lumpur sessions court on Wednesday.
On Twitter, a user by the name of mfdh (@lumosbekiddin), said: “If no one with a higher position than you (in this case, someone from the royal family) speak(s) up, you would’ve stay silent until now, won’t you?”
Another user Maslin Sis (@BN4everTN5O) also accused Rina of sleeping on the job.
“The Bella case exploded in early July 2021, it’s been nine months! During that time, @RinaMohdHarun was asleep. And now when TMJ (crown prince) had mentioned her (Bella’s) name, she (Rina) ostensibly wants to show solidarity.”
Not all netizens are calling for her resignation as some offered kind words.
For example, Facebook user Schahrel Fnd said: “I hope Rina Harun can be a minister who is more respected and heralded by the people.”
A check by The Vibes found that Rina did not upload any Facebook post related to the Bella case for the past 30 days.
Last September, Rina said the ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, rescued the girl, found her in a safe place and provided protection, care and rehabilitation in accordance with the Child Act 2001 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“I am closely following the development of Bella’s case. She is now under the protection, care and supervision of the Social Welfare Department. Based on my monitoring, Bella is happy again.”
She added that she met with police and a few non-governmental organisations to hear their views. – The Vibes, April 17, 2022
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