SHAH ALAM: The Syariah High Court yesterday allowed former Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abd. Samad to become polygamous after he agreed to fulfill the rights of his wife, Dr. Zaitun Abu Bakar.
The decision was made by Judge Abdul Halim Abdullah who allowed the defense application from Zaiton to settle amicably with her husband who is also the Shah Alam Member of Parliament.
According to the lawyer representing Zaiton from Messrs. Asri Musa & Co, Nurfarhana Abd. Manaf, his client was ordered to have a discussion with Khalid to ensure that her rights as a first wife are fulfilled.
We have made an agreement between Khalid and the defendant, among which is that the wife's alimony is recorded and decided in front of a judge.
Khalid as the plaintiff agreed to give a bungalow house they are currently occupying along with a penthouse which are both located in Shah Alam to be converted to Zaiton.
*photo for illustration purposes only
Then he also agreed to give a car that is currently being used, a Proton X70, in addition to an additional allowance in the form of a credit card, to the defendant. Apart from that, the agreement also records the alimony for the future wife that will be given, he said when contacted by Utusan Malaysia.
He added that the name change of properties and cars in Zaiton's name will be done once the hire purchase and installment payments are settled.
On December 8, Zaiton filed a defense and counterclaim against her husband's polygamy application in the Syariah High Court before the Court Registrar, Norbyetty Mohd Nasir allowed it and set for re-mention on December 20.
Meanwhile, Khalid who is also the Communications Director of Parti Amanah when contacted declined to comment further on the court's decision.
"It's a personal issue, there's no need to make a fuss, I just follow the rules. My suggestion if there is anything to do with the law, follow the rules.
"It's a personal matter, there is no need to comment. I can comment on other issues, but this issue is my personal matter, he said.
