Judge Izralizam Sanusi made the decision after lawyer Khairul Anwar Rahmat informed the court that he and three other lawyers had been appointed to hold a watching brief for Down Syndrome girl Bella.

“We are applying to follow the case with the consent of women, family and community development minister Rina Harun after she was granted an audience with the Tunku Mahkota Johor yesterday,” the lawyer said.

“We will also seek to appear as ‘amicus curiae’ (friend of the court) for Bella and apply for the court transcripts of the earlier proceedings,” he said.

The three other lawyers are Baljit Singh Sidhu, Ikbal Salam and Radzi Yatiman.

Yesterday, Tunku Ismail – better known as TMJ – made three proposals to the government to prevent the recurrence of abuse cases such as the one involving Bella, after meeting Rina at the Royal Johor Polo Club in Johor Bahru.

Bella’s case went viral on social media last year when a woman claimed that the teenager had been scalded with hot water and was tied while under the care of the Rumah Bonda welfare home.

Following that, Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, 30, was charged with neglecting and abusing the 13-year-old girl, causing the victim to suffer physical and emotional injuries.

Siti Bainun pleaded not guilty to charges of neglect and abuse under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a 20-year jail sentence or a RM50,000 fine or both if convicted.

Meanwhile, Khairul Anwar expressed gratitude over the court’s decision.

“We are also considering being more actively involved in the proceedings by seeking to appear as amicus curiae once we receive complete documentation and case proceeding records,” he said in a statement.

“This is important for us to assist the court and the public prosecutor in achieving justice for Bella.”