Brutal husband who left wife in vegetative state gets maximum 14-year sentence on appeal

The Court of Appeal has delivered a significant victory for justice in the brutal case of Jahidah Nordin, a former officer of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan). A businessman, Rosmaini Abd. Raof, who savagely attacked his then-wife Jahidah, leaving her in a permanent vegetative state, has had his prison sentence increased from 10 years to a maximum of 14 years. This decision by a three-judge panel, led by Datuk Azman Abdullah, rectifies what the prosecution argued was an inadequate initial sentence for such a heinous crime.

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Kes ini sebenarnya melibatkan kemusnahan dua kehidupan. Kesan kecederaan yang dialami mangsa (Jahidah) adalah setara dengan kemusnahan kehidupan secara keseluruhan. Mangsa hidup hanya pada nama, tanpa keupayaan untuk berfungsi sebagai seorang manusia secara bermakna.

Justice Noorin Badaruddin, reading the judgment, emphasized that this was not a typical case of grievous hurt. She stated, "This case actually involves the destruction of two lives. The impact of the injuries sustained by the victim (Jahidah) is equivalent to the destruction of life in its entirety." The court highlighted that Jahidah is now merely alive in name, unable to function as a human being meaningfully. The attack also tragically impacted her unborn child, who now suffers from developmental delays and disabilities as a result of the incident. This profound destruction of life and future underscores the gravity of Rosmaini's actions.

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Kesan daripada perbuatan Rosmaini bukan sahaja menimpa mangsa malah turut melibatkan anak yang dikandung (Jahidah) ketika kejadian. Anak tersebut (kini) mengalami kelewatan perkembangan dan kecacatan akibat insiden tersebut

The appellate court found that while the Sessions Court judge had considered sentencing principles, they failed to give adequate weight to aggravating factors. The attack was described as "cruel and continuous," inflicting "extensive and devastating injuries" including brain hemorrhage, multiple fractures, and severe neurological damage. Jahidah's condition is irreversible, rendering her completely dependent on others for basic needs. The court's decision to increase the sentence reflects a strong stance against domestic violence and a recognition of the devastating, life-altering consequences of such brutality. The fact that Rosmaini appeared to smile upon hearing the increased sentence is a stark reminder of the lack of remorse and the deep injustice Jahidah and her family have endured.

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Fakta kes menunjukkan satu serangan yang kejam dan berterusan oleh seorang suami terhadap isterinya yang ketika itu sedang mengandung. Tahap keganasan yang dilakukan adalah amat serius sehingga menyebabkan mangsa berada dalam keadaan vegetatif kekal sehingga ke hari ini.