Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia - The High Court here deferred contempt proceedings filed against two land officers relating to the demolition of structures at the Sky Kingdom deviationist sect in Hulu Besut, following a request for more time to study points of law.
Judge Datuk Ahmad Maarop fixed Jan 8 as the new date, when Haris Mohamed Ibrahim, counsel for Che Minah Remeli, the first wife of sect leader Ariffin Mohamad better known as “Ayah Pin”, made the request.
The judge had earlier directed Haris to submit on Order 72 of the Rules of High Court 1980, which states that Orders 45 to 52 should not apply to orders against the Government.
Rule 45 involves contempt proceedings, while Rule 52 concerns enforcement of orders and judgments of the High Court.
The court was adjourned for three hours for Haris to submit on the matter, and when the hearing resumed at 2.30pm, Haris said he needed time to conduct research.
Che Minah had filed the proceedings against Besut Land Office administrator Datuk Wan Zahari Wan Ngah and assistant administrator Mohd Iskandar Muhammad Aziz, who are the first and second defendants.
Haris pointed out that the court had on June 21 granted leave to Che Minah to commence judicial review on an April 28 order by the land office directing her to tear down the structures.
He said two letters were sent to the office on the stay order but the land office continued to take steps that culminated in the demolition of the structures on July 31.
“This is the height of arrogance in refusing to abide by the court's order,” he argued.
Justice Ahmad Maarop also allowed an application by Haris to postpone the hearing on the judicial review case as the counsel needed time to study the nine affidavits submitted by the land office.