Lawyer RSN Rayer, who is representing the woman, Meeriam Rosaline Edward Paul, 60, told this to reporters after the case was heard in private before Judge Hashim Hamzah. 

The judge later fixed March 31 for decision.

Rayer added that the counsel representing Vell Paari as defendant, David Mathews, applied to the court to postpone the proceeding application filed by Meeriam Rasaline to obtain an interim order to have unconditional access to Samy Vellu (photo), apart from applying to court to issue an order to pay her a monthly maintenance of RM25,000.

“They (Vell Paari) are applying to postpone on the interim proceeding on the grounds they have applied to Kuala Lumpur High Court to ascertain the mental capacity of Samy Vellu.

"But we have referred to photographs of Meeriam Rosaline's affidavit which shows he (Samy Vellu) attended a few events last year and this year's Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves," he said in the presence of another lawyer, S Ramesh.

Meanwhile, Ramesh said they have pointed out to the court that there was no basis in the lawsuit filed by Vell Paari to determine his father’s mental health, as Samy Vellu has appointed a lawyer, Prem Ramachandran, to represent him.

“We pointed out to the judge that a person who does not have the mental capacity could not in this circumstance appoint a lawyer," said Ramesh.

"Meeriam Rosaline should not be denied her rights, regardless of the outcome in Kuala Lumpur High Court, because we take the position that Samy Velly is perfectly all right." 

Vell Paari filed the suit against Samy Vellu on Dec 2 for a court order to investigate and ascertain the mental capacity of his father, and whether the former works minister and MIC president is capable of handling his affairs. — Bernama