Lawyers representing Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and her husband Raja Ahmad Shahrir Iskandar Raja Salim told the Kuala Lumpur Syariah Lower Court that both of them are trying to settle their differences amicably.

In view of this, lawyer Zulkifli Che Yong (right), who is representing Raja Ahmad, applied for a month-long period to determine the outcome.

 

"If there is no development, we may apply for an extension and if there is still no resolution, we may refer the matter to Hakam," he said.

 

(The Hakam is an arbitrator. If there is no sign of a resolution, the arbitrator can force the ‘talak’ pronunciation for a divorce. This is said to be the last resort to resolve marital disputes when the husband does not favour divorce.)

 

Syariah judge Abdul Malek Awang fixed the matter for mention at 2pm on Sept 3.

 

Not in attendance

Lawyer Normawaddah Ramli earlier informed the court that Raja Ahmad was not in attendance despite the court ordering his presence today.

 

It is understood that Nurul Izzah, who filed for the divorce, had been seen with her husband at several buka puasa functions recently.

 

Nurul, who is also PKR vice-president, filed the application for mutual divorce in December, citing irreconcilable differences.

The court then ordered the two to appoint mediators on their respective sides,and for an independent syariah officer to prepare a report.

 

The report was submitted last month. It is understood that there was no resolution , resulting in Zulkifli to apply for more time, or for the court to possibly consider appointing another mediation council.

 

Nurul Izzah had also filed a separate application to have custody of both her children.

She and Raja Ahmad have a daughter aged seven and a son aged four from their 10-year marriage.

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