Datin Whacked Indonesian Maid

Datin Rozita Mohamad Ali who horrifically abused her maid using weapons like a knife, steel mop, clothes hanger, and umbrella among other objects back in 2016, was handed a good behaviour bond for five years with surety of RM20,000 last week by Sessions Court judge Mohammed Mokhzani Mokhtar.

The fact that she got off scot -free escaping jail time after pleading guilty and reportedly feeling remorseful and stressed, left many Malaysians voicing that justice did not prevail over her actions towards then 19-year-old Indonesian victim Suyanti Sutrinso.

A change.org petition has even been set-up demanding for equal justice for the rich and poor from the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, and has currently amassed over 40,000 signatories at the time of writing.

The petition called her crime “despicable and inhumane”, while calling for stricter punishment.

“Even if she’s a datin, rich and have connections doesn’t give her the right to treat people like that. What message are we sending to our people and children? Malaysia needs to seriously look at our human rights issue,” the petition that demands 50,000 signatories urged.

Malaysians from all walks of life who signed the petition have also shared their thoughts on the lightly meted punishment:

“I dislike people like the heartless Datin. She must be punished to show others as well that money and power are not everything,” wrote Maxine Lee who signed the petition yesterday.

Siti Norhidayah said, “I'm signing because we need to remind the rich, money can never buy the law.”

“This Datin has no humanity in her in regards to the kind of abuse towards her maid... she has to be punished irrespective who she knows up the ladder or the public will not have trust in the legal system,” wrote Balmender Singh.

“Can't let the abuser off the hook to see the justice being in place, avoid Malaysia to become a laughing stock again,” declared F S Teh.

While Joanne Foong expressed, “Justice applies to rich and poor also! The action made by so-called Datin is inhumane. Even a maid deserves justice of life!”

Last week, human rights non-profit organisation (NGO) Tenaganita equally felt that Rozita deserves harsher punishment for her actions.

“Yes, we took notice that Rozita has pleaded guilty and might be a first offender. Nonetheless in view of the grievous nature of the offence and unless the facts provide otherwise, we believe that the light judgment has sent a wrong message to the public,” they said, as quoted in Malay Mail.

The NGO also highlighted that Rozita ought to face imprisonment as they believe it is the “only effective way to do away with serious violence.”

After the public outrage, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali confirmed with NST he had instructed for an appeal to be filed against the inadequacy of the sentence.

Rozita, caused multiple injuries to her victim on the eyes, hands, feet and internal organs; and a video that went viral in December 2016 also showed the helpless maid lying near a drain in a housing area in Mutiara Damansara, before she was found by a security guard.

Deputy public prosecutor VV Suloshani said the case which was also covered by the international media has tarnished the country’s image, aside affecting the good relations between Indonesia and Malaysia.

“Apart from that, this case is among nine most tragic cases involving maid abuse in the country,” she said.