KUALA LUMPUR: The eldest daughter of the late Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, Erni Dekritawati Yuliana Buhari, stayed away from the court room when the verdict on her mother's murder was delivered.
"I didn't have the strength to be there. It was only when I knew the verdict that I became brave enough to show myself," said the 27-year-old, who has inherited her mother's business.
Justice Akhtar Tahir found former lawyer N. Pathmanabhan, farm hands T. Thilaiyalagan, R. Matan and R. Khatavarayan guilty for the murders of Sosilawati, 47 and three of her aides in 2010.
Erni Dekritawati, or better known as Rita, said the verdict had brought closure to three years of restlessness for her and her family.
"I and my family feel very satisfied and are thankful to the courts and the Malaysian people who have supported us," she told reporters outside the Shah Alam High Court.
Also present outside the court was Suzana Radin Pangat, wife of bank officer Noorhisham Mohamad, 38, who was one of the murder victims.
"I respect the court's decision and am relieved my husband's death had received justice," she said tearfully.
Meanwhile, it was a heart-wrenching sombre day for the family and friends of third accused, R. Matan, who ran after Matan down seven flights of stairs as he was led out of the courtroom.
The group of young men were calm but teary eyed as they saw Matan off, choosing not to speak to reporters.
Source Mystar