SINGAPORE : One of the maids accused of killing her employer,
Esther Ang, took to the stand on Monday and testified that she had
endured months of abuse.
Her lawyer said Juminem was suffering from "reactive depression",
and that the maid finally snapped because she was provoked and lost
her self-control.
Called to the stand by the defence, Juminem said that the abuse
began soon after she started work on 2 September 2003.
She said her employer, Esther Ang, scolded her daily and would fine
her S$10 for every mistake she made.
Juminem recorded her unhappiness in her diaries, excerpts of which
were read out in court.
She was also working at three homes -- at Esther Ang's home, Ang's
sister Irene's place, and Ang's ex-husband's place.
In seven months, the maid's weight went down from 50 kg to 46.4
kg.
When asked why she had lost weight, Juminem replied that it was
because she had no appetite as she was always too tired, had too
much work and was stressed.
The defence argued that all these resulted in Juminem suffering
from "reactive depression", which led to diminished responsibility
for her actions.
The defence painted Esther Ang as a "fastidious woman", whose
abusive and degrading treatment throughout Juminem's employment was
like "water wearing down a rock".
Over the next few days, the defence will call their witnesses,
including a psychiatrist to attest to Juminem's condition.
Juminem was calm as she gave her testimony.
Her voice was steady as she answered questions posed by her defence
lawyer.
But unlike Esther Ang's immediate family members, who turned up in
full force, Juminem and Siti Aminah, the other accused, had only
two relatives at the hearing.
The trial continues on Tuesday. - CNA