Share |

Thursday, 2 September 2010

Teoh inquest to continue on Sept 20 with 'note'

(Malaysiakini) The note said to be the 'final testament' of deceased political aide Teoh Beng Hock will be tendered as evidence in the inquest into his death on Sept 20, along with a translation of the note and some notebooks.

Also to be called on that day will be the investigating officer and document examiner from the Chemistry Department, Wong Kong Yau.

azlanToday, the coroner also fixed the hearing to then continue on Oct 22.

The note, which has been in the attorney-general's possession since last October, was initially intended to be tendered in court last month.

This was, however, contested by lawyers Gobind Singh Deo and Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, who represent Teoh's family and the Selangor government respectively, claiming that the evidence was withheld from them until that day.

Teoh, 30, was found dead on July 16 last year on the fifth floor service walkway of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, after all-night interrogation as a witness by the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Its office is on the 14th floor of the building.

He was the aide of DAP Selangor chairperson Ean Yong Hian Wah, who was being investigated for alleged irregularities in disbursing state allocations.
'Many questions'
Speaking to reporters later, Gobind said the investigating officer is a significant witness as he will be able to answer "the many questions that have arisen over late production" of the note.

"(HeNONE) will explain the circumstances of how the note came into possession and why it has not been produced until now.

"These facts will be pertinent when the expert gives an opinion (on the note)."
He said the legal team representing Teoh's family and the Selangor government will decide on their next course of action based on the cross-examination of the investigating officer.

Asked if they have ascertained if the handwriting on the note, of which they have a copy, matches Teoh's, the lawyer said that they are "still in the process".

Gobind was, however, reluctant to comment on the notebooks, which are currently sealed and will only be handed over to his side on Sept 20.

"I have (my) suspicions and I've been told many things but I am not at liberty to say anything now, as I have not heard it from the witness (the investigating officer)," he said.

He nevertheless said the books are "not something significant at this point".

"You will see on the 20th. It is not what you think it is. It is not a long essay," he added.

No comments: