PETALING JAYA: A thorough investigation is needed into the abuse case of Down syndrome child Bella, says Pejuang Wanita.

       Its chief Datin Paduka Asmah Ibrahim said an investigation was needed to find out how the Welfare Department allowed Rumah Bonda to operate although it was not registered.

       Asmah said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry should come forward to explain to the people the perception that an agency under the ministry was protecting influential individuals.

       "I hope the investigations do not stop at the courts as I believe that the authorities have a responsibility to ensure the home is monitored," Sinar Harian quoted her as saying.

       "In this issue, I do not understand how the Welfare Department allowed Rumah Bonda to operate without a licence for so long.”

       Asmah also said it was the ministry's responsibility to clarify to the people what were the standard operating procedures of the Welfare Department for children under its care.

       "The Welfare Department's failure to carry out its responsibility on special children placed under child protection homes must be investigated as their safety can never be compromised.

       "Before this, it was a known fact that Bella was under the Welfare Department before she was sent to Rumah Bonda, which shows it knew the existence of the child protection home.

       "The question is what was the basis the Welfare Department gave permission to the home founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali to take care of Bella, as the department only allowed those who are qualified to do so after checking an individual background.”

       Asmah, who was former National Welfare Foundation chief executive officer, said the operation of all welfare institutions that care for special children needs to be looked into as the kids can't voice out their rights.

       Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, 30, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of neglecting and abusing the teenager, to the point of injury and emotional trauma.

       The case has attracted a great deal of attention nationwide due to the severity of the alleged abuse.