KAMUNTING, Malaysia – An appeal has been made to the former employer of Che Tom Osman, whose services were terminated after taking unpaid leave on numerous occasions to take care of her terminally ill daughter.

Perak Human Resources Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Zahir Abdul Khalid said he had spoken to a human resources official of the company and asked that Che Tom be retained on humanitarian grounds.

“I have asked for Che Tom to be allowed to take unpaid leave for another 30 days, citing her difficult situation.

“The person whom I spoke to said they would consider this proposal but informed me that no decision could be made as the top management was out of the country.”

He also expressed hope that a win-win solution could be reach-ed which would satisfy all parties concerned.

“Obviously, the company has the right to dismiss her but it will not serve any purpose.

“Her daughter is terminally ill and this matter should be handled in a delicate manner.”

On the eve of Hari Raya, Che Tom received a letter from her employer stating that the management would not be entertaining her (unpaid leave) applications anymore.

Her services were terminated on Wednesday after she failed to turn up for work on Monday and Tuesday.

The 45-year-old had been taking unpaid leave on numerous occasions since 2009 to take care of her daughter, Nurul Atikah Bazilah Samsudin, who had been diagnosed with end-stage bone cancer.

Her daughter made headlines recently when she spoke to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over the phone after arrangements were made by the Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Nurul Atikah was first diagnosed with bone cancer in 2009 and had undergone 12 surgeries and 18 chemotherapy sessions at University Malaya Medical Centre.

The once active girl, who loves durian and petai rebus, is now given morphine to help ease the pain.

When asked what other options were available should the company refuse to entertain his appeal, Zahir said he might consider seeking legal redress on Che Tom’s behalf.

“I am looking into setting up a legal team to pursue the matter if all else fails.

“While we should not embarrass the parties involved, special consideration must be given to Che Tom in view of her daughter’s condition.

“Nurul Atikah is undergoing palliative care and it is crucial that she gets proper care and attention from her parents and family members