[UPDATED] Anwar wants thorough probe into death in police custody

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed police to conduct a thorough, transparent and uncompromising investigation into the death of Noorizwan Zulkefly while in police custody.

Anwar said he had taken note of the presence of Noorizwan's family, who had come to submit an appeal to him today, and expressed his condolences over the death.

He said he understood the grief and anxiety faced by the family, who were awaiting answers about the circumstances surrounding Noorizwan's death.

"I have taken note of the presence of the family of the late Noorizwan Zulkefly, 42, who came to submit an appeal letter to me today. I am deeply saddened by his death and understand the grief and anxiety of the family, who are awaiting answers," he said in a Facebook post today.

Anwar said he was scheduled to attend several engagements in Melaka today and had therefore delegated an officer to receive the letter and listen directly to the issues raised by the family.

He said he had also contacted Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail to obtain further information about the case.

"I have also contacted the Inspector-General of Police to obtain further information about this case and stressed that the investigation must be conducted thoroughly, transparently and without compromise, with developments in the investigation communicated to the family," he said.

Noorizwan's family earlier submitted a memorandum to Anwar at his house in Bandar Sungai Long this morning, appealing for his intervention in the case.

The family, accompanied by Lawyers for Liberty, called for immediate action and justice following his death while in detention at the Cheras district police headquarters, where he had been held since Sept 19.

Noorizwan died at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz on Oct 1 after being taken there for treatment the previous day.

His preliminary post-mortem report stated that he had sustained multiple bodily injuries.

The family is seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his death and has called for a thorough investigation into the matter.