Kuala Lumpur: Three wives of a Malaysian odd job worker appeared in a court to bless his fourth wedding. His first wife Wan Rukiah said: "Go ahead, I have no problems".

Judge Sheikh Ahmad Ismail Hakim, heading a Syriah (Islamic) court, was reluctant to permit Mohamad Nor Awang, 51, to marry again being unsure of his economic status. He earns RM 1,500 ($480 approx.) a month.

He asked Awang, a father of 18, whether he was capable of supporting a fourth wife and if he would be fair to all his wives. The judge sought an additional affidavit to back his claims.

What clinched the issue was the presence of the wives who 'blessed' the husband's wedding to the fourth woman Suzi Sulong who at 35, would be the youngest of them all, The Star said Friday.

The three wives - Wan Rukiah Mat Yusof, 52, Kalthum Dollah, 39, and Noraini Daud, 40 - asked the court to allow their husband to take a fourth wife.

Third wife Noraini had another reason: She agreed because she does not want to see her husband register his fourth marriage in neighbouring Thailand.

"We all could live blissfully under one roof," she said.

Impressed with this show of solidarity, the judge jestingly asked Awang his 'secret'.

Awang replied: "I don't have any secret, but I believe I have been fair to all of them."