Taib’s son ordered to pay ex-wife RM30m
KUALA LUMPUR: The Syariah High Court today ordered Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib (pix), son of Sarawak governor Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, to pay a sum of RM30 million in muta'ah (conciliatory payment) claims to his ex-wife Shahnaz A. Majid.
Syariah court judge Muhamad Abdul Karim Wahab, who read out the judgment in court said that while there is no fixed amount on how much should be paid, the claims awarded is based on relevant circumstances.
He noted that this includes how much Mahmud could afford, the sacrifices and difficulty faced by Shahnaz during the past 10 years, as well as the status Shahnaz was after being divorced.
Muhamad Abdul Karim said that the payment has to be made either in a lump sum or in three installments beginning March 31 to Sept 30 this year.
Shahnaz filed a RM100million muta'ah claim against Mahmud Abu Bekir as well as an application to get RM300 million in matrimonial property as divorce settlement and 50% of all assets owned by Mahmud and Shahnaz – which includes luxury cars, houses in various locations, land in Sarawak and shares in several companies.
The couple were married on Jan 9, 1992 and divorced on May 11, 2011. They have a son, who was born in 1993.
On Feb 26, 2013, the Syariah High Court granted an order by Shahnaz requiring Mahmud to pay an interim maintenance of RM902,746.69. This was for expenses incurred for their son, from the time she and Mahmud divorced on March 11, 2011.
Outside of court, Shahnaz was happy with the outcome after having the case go on for four years.
"This should have been amicably settled from the start ... What should be obliged to me as a Muslim and as a wife," she said, adding that she needs to discuss with her lawyers Datuk Akbardin Abdul Kader and Dr Rafir Mohd Shafir on the next course of action.
She also advise wives to speak up against abusive relationships.
Lawyer Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, who spoke on behalf of Mahmud, told reporters that they will appeal the decision and for a stay of execution.