Magistrate Haslinda A. Raof issued the stern warning to Lydiawati, 51, whose real name is Salina Zaimon, when she was called to the dock at 11.43am.

Asked by Haslinda why she was late, Lydiawati, who wore a jubbah (black robe) and headscarf, attributed the delay to having just been informed that she should appear in court today.

The magistrate then questioned how the accused could have been unaware she should appear in court today when the court had fixed the date for mention of the case in the previous proceeding.

Lawyer Fatimah Zahrah Ramli, representing Lydiawati, said the accused was waiting for the investigating officer (IO) to contact her before appearing in court.

“It is not the responsibility of the IO. It is the responsibility of the accused herself.

“I withdraw the arrest warrant and issue a stern warning. If (she is) late again, I’ll increase the bail,” warned Haslinda.

Earlier, when the court convened at 9am and had called the actress at 10.37am, it issued an arrest warrant for her as neither she nor her guarantor were present.

However, at 11.13am, Lydiawati arrived at the court accompanied by a friend.

During the same proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Raihanah Abdul Razak informed the court that documents pertaining to the case had been handed over to the defence.

On May 16, Lydiawati, who became famous through the film, “Suami, Isteri dan …”, pleaded not guilty to intentionally causing hurt to Brunei businesswoman Sharifah Harnizam Wan Musa, 43, by hitting her with an iron object.

The single mother of two was charged with committing the offence at Hotel Safari 2, Lot 52, Jalan Mamanda 9, Ampang here, at 6.30pm on March 24.

The following day, Lydiawati’s video hitting a woman went viral after the actress uploaded it on her Facebook.

– BERNAMA