Bung’s jail time cut to RM1,000 fine

Bung Moktar and Zizie (right) arrive at the Gombak Lower Syariah Court May 19, 2010. — file pic

 

SHAH ALAM, Aug 11 – A teary-eyed Datuk Bung Moktar Radin hugged his second wife, actress Zizie Izette A. Samad, after the Syariah High Court here quashed his one-month jail sentence for committing polygamy without the consent of court.

Selangor chief syarie judge Mukhyuddin Ibrahim had earlier reduced the Kinabatangan MP’s jail sentence to a maximum fine of RM1,000.

Mukhyuddin explained that the one-month jail sentence was not suitable as it was Bung’s first offence and he had no previous criminal record.

He added that while Bung is a member of parliament, he was not involved in formulating and amendment of Islamic law in the state of Selangor.

“As this is a first offence and the appellant has a great responsibility to the family and society, I believe that a prison sentence will affect his responsibilities to the family. Also suffering by the family can lead to problems.

“In addition, the reputation and image of appellant as a member of parliament will be viewed negatively by society if the prison sentence imposed,” he said.

Bung Moktar and actress Zizie Izette A. Samad had pleaded guilty at the Gombak Timur Lower Syariah Court to the charge of committing polygamy without the consent of court and a marriage registrar on April 20.

Zizie was slapped with a RM1,000 fine, or one month’s jail in lieu, for the offence.

The couple were also handed a RM1,000 fine, or six months jail in lieu, for abetting in polygamy.

The Syariah High Court endorsed the marriage of Bung and Zizie according to Section 12 (2) of the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984 (Act 303) on June 15.

Outside courtroom, Bung Moktar expressed his delight to surrounding reporters.

“I am grateful with the court’s decision. I would to thank my family that has supported me since day one. This is a very good decision as today is the first day of Ramadan,” he said.