A family man...cheh!

I read today's newspaper with the feeling of disgust. On the front page, a photo showing a family reunion, the father was hugging his elder daughter, with his smiling wife at his side, carrying the younger daughter. It was a happy picture. It was a warm picture. It was the picture of Hanif Basree Abdul Rahman reunited with his family. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But there is something very wrong with this picture.

Hanif Basree was charged with the murder of Noritta Samsudin on Dec 5, 2004 and he was acquitted and discharged by the High Court and walked a free man on July 1, 2004.

The case was a high profile case and it was highlighted on the newspaper and tabloids, with details of the sexual life of Noritta as well as Hanif's sexual relationship with her. We read about how they met at Crystal Club at Damansara last year. We read about how they became very close and intimate to each other. We read about how frequent they have sex every week.

I am sure he is not guilty. I am sure the High Court has made a right decision. But when I read the report on today's newspaper, I sensed that the newspaper is trying to paint him as a responsible, and caring father and husband.

Forgive me if I am wrong, but this is the man who had an affair with a GRO. This is the man who lied to his pregnant wife and his two lovely children. This is the same man who sneaked out at night to see his lover and had sex twice a week.

And his wife has this to say:

“Whatever he decides, if it is for the good of the family, it is a good choice. Everybody will follow (his decision) because he is the head of the family.”

And his father, when asked about his son affair with Noritta, has this to say:

“To me, it happens among human beings. Maybe it's a sin, but not a serious sin. As human beings, who does not make mistakes?”

Sad, very sad....