ADIB COULDN’T RECALL WHAT HAPPENED
He only shook his head when asked by investigating officer, says doctor
NATIONAL Heart Institute (IJN) cardiothoracic surgeon senior consultant Datuk Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib told the coroner’s court yesterday that firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim shook his head when the investigating officer (IO) asked him if he remembered what happened.
Asked by deputy public prosecutor Fatin Hadni Khairuddin if he had spoken to Adib, Dr Ezani said five or six days after Adib was admitted, he asked Adib whether he remembered what happened, but the latter only shook his head.
“I did not ask further.”
He, however, said one of his team members known as Ashraf, who had treated Adib, told him that he had asked Adib if he remembered what happened and the latter nodded his head.
“Ashraf told me Adib nodded his head when he was asked whether he was beaten.
“He told me this after Adib died and I told him to inform our lawyers as I did not know what to do next.”
Dr Ezani said Adib had given a different answer when the IO interviewed him at the hospital.
Fatin: Were you aware that an IO came to interview the patient?
Dr Ezani: Yes. I was there during the interview.
Fatin: What were the questions asked by the IO?
Dr Ezani: He asked whether Adib remembered what happened. Adib shook his head.
Fatini: Were there any further questions by the IO?
Dr Ezani: I do not recall.
He said Adib was not able to talk as he had tubes in his mouth and could communicate only with sign language and writing.
“Adib’s condition improved for several days as he was becoming responsive.
“He responded when we called his name and he could follow simple instructions, such as moving his arms and legs.
“He was able to use a white board and a pen to communicate. He also wanted his phone,” he said, adding that Adib’s kidney failed to recover and he needed dialysis.
He said despite showing signs of recovery, Adib’s condition suddenly deteriorated on Dec 14.
“On Dec 15, his condition deteriorated further and we needed to redeploy the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine to stabilise his oxygen level and blood pressure.
“However, his condition worsened on Dec 16 and he died the next day.”
It was reported that Adib, 24, died of severe injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by rioters at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Subang Jaya on Nov 27 last year.
He was part of an emergency response team dispatched to the scene to douse a vehicle fire.
The hearing will continue today before coroner Rofiah Mohamad.