This is the possibility Wanita MCA chief Heng Seai Kie hinted at following yesterday’s Federal Court ruling that granted Deepa custody of the couple’s daughter Sharmila, 11, and Izwan, custody of Mithran, 8.
The Federal Court decided on the arrangement after judges interviewed both children on which parent they wished to be with.
“No doubt Mithran may have expressed that he wants to be with his father.
“In view of the lengthy trial and long separation of the son from the mother, the possibility that he expressed this out of fear in the presence of strangers with immense authority, coached or threatened into saying so are not ruled out,” said Heng in a statement.
However Heng said Wanita MCA hoped both Deepa and Izwan would adhere to the court’s ruling in relation to custody rights and access to each child, allowing Deep to meet Mithran according to schedule.
“The party who defies the court order on access rights may be cited for contempt in future.”
Heng also hoped this case would be the last of its kind and that the Attorney-General’s Chambers would expedite the amendment process of relevant laws proposed by Wanita MCA in relation to unilateral conversions, divorce and its ancillary reliefs.