KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is ready to work with lawyers of Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to assist in the abuse case of the 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome known as Bella.

       Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun said Tunku Ismail's good intentions in offering free legal services to hold a watching brief on behalf of the ministry was helpful in upholding justice for the teenager.

       ALSO READ: Bella case: TMJ offers his lawyers for Women's Ministry watching brief

       "The ministry welcomes this invitation and will work closely with the lawyers appointed by DYAM Tuanku (Tunku Ismail).

       "Indeed, I am very touched by the concern expressed by DYAM Tuanku and YAM Che' Puan Besar (Khaleeda Bustamam) who are both following the progress of this trial," Rina said in a statement posted on Instagram on Sunday (April 17).

       According to Rina, she and the ministry were ready to request an audience with Tunku Ismail and his wife, Khaleeda, to present the status of Bella's trial as well as follow-up actions.

       "For the entire Malaysian family in this glorious month of Ramadan, let us continue to pray that the trial of Bella's abuse case goes smoothly and that truth and justice can be proven at the end of the trial," she said.

       Earlier, the Crown Prince said he had contacted and discussed with his lawyers over Bella's case.

       "I will contact Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Rina Harun and offer my lawyers' services to hold a watching brief on behalf of the ministry for this case free of charge," he said.

       The Crown Prince said this after his wife, Khaleeda, shared her stand on Instagram, saying that she would do everything in her power to demand justice for Bella.

       A watching brief refers to following the case and giving a report on the matter.