Volunteer interpreter who helped Parti Liyani shares behind-the-scenes look at high-profile case

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 23, 2026

Former domestic worker Parti Liyani was acquitted of theft charges in a landmark appeal that exposed critical linguistic misunderstandings and procedural flaws in the investigation. The case sparked high-profile consequences, including the resignation of the employer family’s chairman and ongoing debates about fairness and interpretation in Singapore’s legal system.

The case of former domestic worker Parti Liyani, who was acquitted in 2020 of theft charges, highlighted significant linguistic and legal challenges, according to Gusti Seruni, a volunteer interpreter who supported Parti’s defense team. Parti, an Indonesian national, had been accused of stealing over S$30,000 worth of items from the Liew family, a case that drew considerable public attention and scrutiny.

Parti was initially convicted in 2019 and sentenced to two years and two months in jail. However, in a landmark decision, the High Court overturned her conviction on appeal, citing concerns over the reliability of the evidence and the manner in which police handled the investigation. The acquittal prompted Liew Mun Leong, then chairman of Changi Airport Group and the head of the employer family, to step down from his position. The case also sparked a prolonged parliamentary debate on the criminal justice system in Singapore.

Gusti Seruni, who immigrated to Singapore in 2017 and now operates a jewellery business, volunteered extensively for more than four years on the case. Though not present during police interviews, she worked closely with Parti to prepare her testimony for trial. One key challenge was navigating linguistic nuances between Indonesian and Malay. For example, the Malay word “dekat,” used by Parti to indicate that she placed items “near” a cardboard box, was misunderstood by a Malay-speaking policeman to mean “inside” the box. Such differences had significant implications for the case’s facts and underscored the importance of precise interpretation.

Gusti accompanied Parti throughout the trial process, helping to ease her anxieties by engaging in conversations about food and family during court breaks. She described the experience as “one of the highlights” of her life, emphasizing the emotional demands on both parties. Despite the difficulties, Gusti said her commitment was driven by empathy, recognizing the greater hardships faced by vulnerable workers like Parti.

Following the acquittal, Parti returned to Indonesia in 2021. The trial’s aftermath raised further legal disputes, including a complaint filed by Parti against two prosecutors, which was ultimately dismissed by a disciplinary tribunal. Additionally, Karl Liew, a prosecution witness and the son of the employer, was sentenced to two weeks’ jail in 2023 after pleading guilty to lying to a district judge.

Gusti, who is now a Singapore permanent resident, continues to volunteer regularly with legal aid organizations, assisting Indonesian-speaking clients in criminal cases. She received special recognition on July 21 at a pro bono awards ceremony for her contributions to advancing legal support for marginalized communities. Reflecting on the case, Gusti expressed hope that Parti’s ordeal will inspire greater fairness and respect for vulnerable individuals within the justice system.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.