Project manager’s death: Family demands answers

Cheong Fook Meng died after he was apprehended by the police for attempting to evade a roadblock on July 4, but status of the case is yet unknown

PUCHONG: An opposition MP today urged the police to give an explanation and expedite investigations into the death of project manager Cheong Fook Meng on July 4.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo said the deceased’s family want answers from the police as there has been no update on the case’s status.

“We have contacted the investigating officer (IO), however, until now we have not gotten any information,” he said.

Cheong died on July 4 after he tried to evade police checks at Jalan Barat off Jalan Imbi.

Policemen tried to stop him after seeing him driving in a suspicious manner. A short car chase ensued before they managed to stop the 53-year-old.

Police sources said he refused to cooperate when asked for his identity card and started behaving aggressively when one of the policemen managed to hold his hand.

A scuffle ensued and Cheong was detained after he fell on the ground before one of the officers sat on Cheong’s buttock and handcuffed him.

However, Cheong was then found to be in a weakened state. An ambulance was called and he was pronounced dead an hour later at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).

Gobind said a letter was sent to the pathologist at HKL to get copies of the post-mortem report.

“However, we were told that the report has not been completed and will take time to be completed,” said Gobind.

‘Are the police serious about this case?’

Gobind said the reason given was due to the delay of obtaining the Chemistry Department’s report.

He questioned whether the police is taking the case seriously.

“Are they not serious in handling the case? Is it because they know that there was something wrong in the way they restrained the deceased?

“I want to ask the police, is that the reason why they are not taking the case seriously?” he asked.

He added that this is not the first time, as many of his constituents have come to complain that after making a police report, there was no communication from the police thereafter.

“So don’t blame the people who question the police’s professionalism,” he said.

Gobind stressed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) [Khalid Abu Bakar] must give an explanation.

“The police have to take action on this case before we take action against them.

“The family deserves to get answers, we shouldn’t further their burden,” said Gobind, who also said that the matter will be brought to Parliament.

He hoped the Attorney-General’s (AG) Chambers will order an inquest.

“I hope the AG [Abdul Gani Patail] takes a personal interest to call up the file on this case and order inquest,” he said.

He elaborated that the inquest would be beneficial for both sides as the police, too, will be given a chance to explain.