The shariah appeal court judges maintained the decision of the Shariah High Court in 2016 giving Shahnaz the sum which she claimed from Mahmud as part of their divorce proceedings.

“We find there is no error under Islamic law and principles made by our Shariah High Court colleague in awarding the RM30 million to her,” shariah judge Saarani Ismail said in delivering the unanimous decision.

The judges however dismissed Shahnaz’s appeal to increase the RM30 million payout.

The appeal court ordered Mahmud to pay the RM30 million in three instalments.

He has to pay three tranches of RM10 million before Oct 31, Jan 31, 2019 and April 30, 2019.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Shahnaz said she was thankful for the court’s decision and the support of her friends and family members throughout her divorce proceedings.

Her lawyer Mohd Rafie Shafie said another Shariah High Court would hear her claim on the matrimonial property on Oct 29.

In awarding Shahnaz the sum two years ago, the Shariah High Court had considered the fact that Mahmud could afford the amount.

Shahnaz, the sister of singer Sheila Majid, initially sought RM100 million from Mahmud. She also asked for RM300 million in matrimonial property, including houses, land and luxury cars.

However, the businessman and former group chairman of Cahya Mata Sarawak obtained a stay order and did not pay the money pending his appeal.

In his appeal, he also said the RM30 million award was excessive.

Shahnaz and Mahmud were married on Jan 9, 1992. They divorced on May 11, 2011.

They have one son, Raden, who was born in 1993.