Don’t appeal RM1.4 million award, gov’t urged

(Refer www.Malaysiakini.com  Jul 6, 10 5:29pm)

The government has been urged not to file an appeal against the order by Kuala Lumpur High Court to grant RM1.4 million to a housewife, whose husband died in the police lock-up 11 years ago.

Human Rights Party secretary-general P Uthayakumar (right), who has been representing Suzana Md Aris, the housewife, said she had been suffering for the past 11 years and a full stop is needed to this.

"I received a call from the Attorney-General’s Chambers yesterday, stating that the government will file for an appeal in one or two days," he said.

"Justice delayed is justice denied. On that principle, I believe the Attorney-General’s Chambers should drop the plan to file an appeal," added Uthayakumar.

He lamented that it will take another year or two for the appeal to come to court and prolong the suffering of Suzana.
Uthayakumar also said he would demand a bigger amount than the RM1.4 million, if the case goes to the Court of Appeal.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court, on June 30, ordered the government and police to pay RM1.4 million as negligence compensation to Suzana.
Judicial commissioner Lee Swee Seng (left) ordered former IGP Norian Mai, in his personal capacity, and the Malaysian government to pay RM200,000 each for Mohd Anuar Sharip’s two children, RM500,000 in aggravated damages and RM500,000 in exemplary damages.

Her husband Mohd Anuar, 31, was allegedly beaten to death while in detention at the Selayang police lock-up on Aug 18, 1999, after spending 10 days in remand.

According to the post-mortem report, the cause of death was due to inflammation of his lungs.

Suzana: Enough is enough

The 43-year-old, who was previously happy with the court order, pleaded for the Attorney-General’s Chambers not to file an appeal against the June 30 order.

"I have been suffering for the past 11 years. At least with the money, I could buy a comfortable house for my children," she added.
Suzana also lamented that her 17-year-old son, Mohd Shaifullah Anuar, could not further his studies after finishing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
"With the money, I would provide him with an opportunity to further his studies," she added.
The mother of two is also supporting 13-year-old Azrullah Anuar, who is still schooling.