Shahnaz A Majid, the former wife of Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, today pledged to give away as donation a portion of the RM30 million awarded, following her successful mutaah (conciliatory gift) claim at the Kuala Lumpur Syariah High Court.

She said although she claimed RM100 million, she praised Allah for the award.

Shahnaz said this is not merely about her claim but about her rights as a former wife, and also to ensure her former husband would not be punished in the hereafter for not settling this.

“This court case is never about taking what belongs to the defendant but it is on what the defendant is obliged to honour - honouring my rights as a Muslimah, wife, and partner. On the day of judgment, that right is considered a debt which he has to pay if not settled here.

“Nobody can enter paradise if they are not forgiven by Allah, and especially if you have debts to other people in this life,” she said.

She said according to the Quran and hadith, wealth should be used in service of society.

Hence, Shahnaz said, after putting herself and her son on sound financial standing, she pledged to help the less privileged and marginalised groups in society.

"I have pledged to donate a portion of the amount to single mother organisations and orphanages.

"After deducting costs with the lawyers and other expenses for myself, I will donate one-third of the amount to these organisations, as I know how single mothers feel," she said.

Shahnaz, the elder sister to jazz queen Sheila Majid, holds a degree in Economics and Masters in Finance from the United States.

She said she would continue to pursue her claim of RM500 million in another joint matrimonial asset suit.

Shahnaz thanked her lawyers, the syariah court, and the media for sticking by her and recognising the fact that she had been "abandoned" ( gantung tak bertali ) for 10 years before the divorce.

Women must speak up

“Islamic law is clear as to the rights of women according to the religion,” she said.

Shahnaz said she would continue to discuss with her lawyers on the next course of action and follow through with the execution of the judgment.

Asked whether she was satisfied with the amount, Shahnaz said if compared to his worth - which does not include real estate overseas, it was a small amount.

“But after going through four years in and out of court, I am still digesting the words that was said by the judges today. I appreciate the judges recognising what I had to go through - the tough 10 years when he abandoned me.”

“During the 10 years, it was full of prayers and perseverance and being patient. I feel we (women) should stand up for our rights and we have the institutions to help us.

"Women should speak up (if their rights are trampled) as this is what Allah wants - for us to speak up and not be victimised or bullied all the time.”

Attempts at settlement

Shahnaz said that she had tried many times to settle the matter by meeting her former husband.

“I tried. My son tried, although he was afraid to ask, and my lawyers tried but to no avail,” she said, adding that she wanted it to be settled from the start and did not want the matter to drag in court.

She said the episode was also tough on their son, although she advised him not to take sides in this matter as Mahmud Abu Bekir ( photo ) was still his father.

Meanwhile, Bekir's lawyers, Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar and Saadiah Din, indicated they will file an appeal and stay of the decision tomorrow.

Zainul Rijal said they will appeal the whole judgment, including the judge's decision in awarding mutaah , not considering the house and three cars as mutaah , and also the quantum.

Lawyer Akberdin Abdul Kader, who was acting for Shahnaz, said justice was done in this case and the decision today showed the syariah court can accord justice to everyone.

“This is an important message to all - that they could seek justice in the syariah courts,” he said, adding the quantum awarded today is one of the largest by the syariah legal system.

When pointing out that Mahmud Abu Bekir could appeal, lawyer Rafie Mohd Shafie, who was also acting on behalf of Shahnaz, also said they would consider filing a cross-appeal.