She did not want armed escort

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Despite her wealth, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya did not want an armed bodyguard as she disliked firearms.

The millionaire's elder brother, Mashadi Lawiya, 51, said she feared guns would makan tuan (turn against its master).

"She was afraid that it may be used against her and her family one day," he said outside her house in Taman Harmonis, Gombak, yesterday.

The Felda settler from Mersing, Johor, said his sister took precautions and was always in the presence of trusted companions whenever she made large business transactions.

"She felt confident and was comforted by the presence of those who accompanied her that fateful day."

He added that Sosilawati even invited her eldest daughter, Erni Dekritawati Yuliana Bukhari, 25, to follow her to Banting.

"Erni did not want to go as she wanted to break fast at home," Mashadi explained, adding that Sosilawati never intended to stay overnight at Banting.

"That decision could have saved her life," he said.

Mashadi, who had been taking care of Sosilawati's residence for four months, also described the days leading to his sister's disappearance.

"I noticed Sosilawati had not been her usual jovial self. I could sense that something was bothering her by the way she talked. It was as though she needed to get something done urgently," he said.

Long-time friend and founder of the D'navechee cosmetic line, Datuk Azlina Che Abdullah, had also expressed concern over the safety of Sosilawati's five daughters.

"I hope Erni would take my advice and employ more security guards at the house. I am concerned about their safety after what happened to her mother."

Azlina said the legacy of Sosilawati's Nouvelle Visages will continue under the supervision of her first husband, Bukhari Muhammad, and Erni Dekritawati.

"I will support them as how I did for Sosilawati throughout our many years in the business," she said.

Throughout yesterday, prominent figures and relatives of Sosilawati were still arriving at the family home to offer condolences.

Among them was Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar. He said he knew the family for years and was a close friend to Sosilawati's first husband.

"I was shocked by the news and hope this case would be solved as soon as possible," he said.