What’s the hold-up on Durian Tunggal shooting inquest, asks MP

A DAP MP has questioned the delay in commencing an inquest into the shooting that killed three men in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, last November.

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng noted the police’s statement on Aug 10 that they would file an application for an inquest, two weeks after the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) ordered that an inquest be held.

“It’s been two months since the AGC decided to hold an inquest. When will it commence?” he said in a statement.

Lim urged the police to ensure that the policemen involved in the shooting remain in Malaysia throughout proceedings, expressing fear that they might flee the country to avoid appearing at the inquest.

He cited the recent case of an armed gang robbery at a luxury condominium in Kuala Lumpur, where six foreigners believed to have fled the country were charged in absentia.

“Police are now hunting the suspects in this case with the help of Interpol. In the Durian Tunggal case, don’t allow the persons involved to leave the country.

“I urge the police and AGC to use all legal measures, including applying for a court order for the implicated individuals to surrender their passports, or imposing travel restrictions.

“This is not about punishing them before they are tried in court, but ensuring their presence when needed by the court.”

M Puspanathan, 21, T Poovaneswaran, 24, and G Logeswaran, 29, were shot dead on Nov 24 after one of them allegedly attacked a police officer with a parang.

An investigation was opened under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. However, in December, the AGC directed that the case be reclassified as murder.

Although the investigation papers were resubmitted to the AGC four times, police received further instructions each time.

On July 20, the AGC ordered an inquest to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the deaths, including whether any criminal elements were involved.

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