KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court yesterday ordered Naluri Corporation Berhad to pay 36-month wages to its former head of the legal and corporate unit Rizana Mohamad
Daud, as compensation payable under her contract of employment.
Justice Datuk V T Singham ordered plaintiff claims to be allowed with costs and full compensation for assessment and ordered eight per cent interest per annum from April 15, 2005, until the date of judgement.
Rizana, 47, who is the sister-in-law of former Malaysia Airlines chairman and Naluri chief Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli, filed a claim on April 6, last year, seeking compensation for not receiving her emoluments, which she said she was entitled to under Clause 18 of her contract.
She had stated that among terms of her employment contract included that, should she leave the company either through resignation or dismissal, Naluri must pay her RM1.46 million.
Rizana tendered her resignation on Jan 14, 2005. She claimed that despite repeated demands, the company failed to pay her the due amount.
In its statement of defence, Naluri claimed there were no documents to show that Rizana was appointed as the unit head.
The company also claimed that her writ was also filed out of time and hence, her claim should be dismissed.
Singham, in his judgement, had stated the plaintiff had exercised her option and right to terminate the contract of employment by giving three months’ notice dated Jan 14, 2005.
He said the plaintiff was entitled to the compensation upon cessation of employement, which was included in the terms and conditions of her employment.
Rizana had been company secretary for Naluri since 1996, and had drawn a salary of RM20,000 a month, as well other benefits.
Singham said: “Defendant company (Naluri) did not raise any objection or had ever contested the plaintiff’s position or the salary paid to her until she filed the action in court.”
He said, the fact that plaintiff was wife of one of the directors and her brother-in-law was the chairman of the defendant’s company, was of no relevance to enforce the terms and
conditions of the contract of employment.
Naluri was represented by Datuk Ben Chan Chong Choon while Rizana was represented by Terrence Chan. — Bernama