KUCHING, Oct 16: The Syariah Court of Appeal today told businessman Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib to honour the RM30 million in `muta’ah’ (consolatory gift) payout to his ex-wife Shahnaz Majid.
Mahmud Abu Bekir, the son of Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, was ordered to make the payment in three instalments, at RM10 million per transaction, before Oct 31, Jan 31, 2019, and April 30, 2019.
The amount is believed to be the biggest ‘muta’ah’ payout in the country’s history.
Syarie judge Datuk Yusof Musa together with Saarani Ismail and Datuk Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar upheld the March 2016 decision of the Syariah High Court, which deemed that Mahmud Abu Bekir could afford the amount.
They made the ruling after rejecting the appeals filed by Mahmud Abu Bekir and Shahnaz.
Shahnaz, the sister of singer Datuk Sheila Majid, initially sought RM100 million from her ex-husband. She also asked for RM300 million in matrimonial property, including houses, land and luxury cars.
However, the former group chairman of Cahya Mata Sarawak obtained a stay order and did not pay the money pending his appeal.
In the proceedings, Mahmud Abu Bekir was represented by Syarie lawyer Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, while Shahnaz was represented by Datuk Akberdin Kadir and Dr Mohd Rafie Shafie.
Shahnaz and Mahmud Abu Bekir married on Jan 9, 1992. They divorced on May 11, 2011. They have a son, Raden Murya Abdul Taib Mahmud, 25. — DayakDaily
