HUSBAND, 41, WON’T LET HIS 11-YEAROLD CHILD BRIDE GO
Man says issue shouldn’t be prolonged; he wants to lead normal life with family
“ALTHOUGH many people are against this marriage, I will not succumb to the pressure and let her go.
“Our marriage is permissible in Islam, even though it is against the law,” he said when commenting on his marriage with a 11-yearold girl.
The father of six said the issue should not be prolonged and he wished to lead a normal life with his family.
“I am aware that our story has become the talk of the nation and I am honestly stressed with the situation. However, I have been carrying on with my daily chores as usual, including fulfilling my duty as an imam at the village surau.
“Villagers who know about the marriage do not treat us badly. It’s outsiders who were shocked,” he said.
He said his third young wife was not affected by the issue.
“We were called by the police to have our statements recorded, and representatives from the state government said they would meet me in Gua Musang today (yesterday).
“I will seek the advice of the state government before taking any actions, including registering this marriage,” he said.
He said he had yet to meet his second wife, 34, to give her space as she was still upset.
“I don’t want any untoward incident if I meet her now. My relationship with my third wife is alright without any problem.”
Meanwhile, the 11-year-old girl said she was willing to wait five years before she reached the age of 16 to live with her husband.
“I have repeatedly told those who took my statement about the marriage that I am not willing to separate from my husband.
“I have also told the first and second wives that I love him when they asked me about it. My relationship with them is getting better after the news of our marriage went public,” said the girl, who had been in touch with the man’s wives through social media.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail yesterday said the marriage was illegal and the couple needed to be separated.
She was quoted as saying that the union was against the law and that it did not have the consent of the court.
The Islamic Family Law Enactment stated that the minimum legal age for marriage is 18 for a male and 16 for a female.
Those under the legal minimum age will be permitted to get married with the consent of their parents and the syariah court.