Suhakam calls for inquest over custodial death

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has recommended an inquest be held into the death of suspected gang leader K. Parthiban at Melaka Hospital following his detention at the Melaka Tengah police lock up on May 22.

In a statement yesterday, Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail said the recommendation came after the body had concluded its independent investigations into the death of Parthiban who was held for 21 days from May 2 under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (PCA 1959).

“Although the deceased died in hospital, he was under police custody at the time of his death, and accordingly, his death is classified as a death in police custody,” he said.

Razali said Suhakam had recorded 24 statements during its investigation in accordance with sections 4(1) and 12 of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999.

“Suhakam identified unresolved issues concerning the delivery of medical attention in lock up vis-à-vis custodial deaths, and is of the view that little improvement has been made in police procedures for dealing with the delivery of medical attention for persons in police custody.”

Based on testimonies from 24 witnesses including the police and medical officers, Razali said investigations revealed that the deceased was not in good health but had initially refused medical treatment at the police station.

“The police were not immediately aware that the deceased was diabetic but were subsequently informed by him.

“Suhakam was informed that there was an order for the deceased to receive treatment at the Melaka Hospital, but the police escorting unit were of the view that the order was only for serious medical cases. As his condition was not deemed to be serious enough by the police, the deceased was taken to two different clinics.

“Suhakam notes the medical officer at Klinik Kesihatan Peringgit did not have a medical record of the deceased from the police and the deceased was not taken to his follow-up appointment set by the medical officer,” he said, adding the deceased was interviewed six times.