Lawyer denies Charles is missing, no info on pen drive

Lawyer Americk Sidhu today denied that his client, Charles Suresh Morais, has gone missing.

Americk told Malaysiakini that he last contacted Charles, the brother of murdered senior deputy public prosecutor Kevin Anthony Morais, "a couple of days ago."

"No, he has not gone missing, as far as I am aware," Americk said in response to inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, who said yesterday that police have yet to receive any news from Charles on the alleged pen drive in his possession.

Khalid, who maintained that contents of the pen drive are crucial to police investigations into Kevin's murder, said this was despite his office giving the US-based businessman the option of sending the gadget via post.

“Without knowing the contents and in the absence of his statement, we only have a slew of allegations, nothing more. So if he is serious about the claims, Charles should assist us,” Khalid told Malaysiakini.

'Incriminating information'

In a statutory declaration made on Nov 25, Charles said Kevin had sent him a pen drive that containing incriminating information on high-profile individuals.

Kevin’s body was found in a cement-filled drum on Sept 16. On Sept 28, six men were charged with his murder and two others charged with abetting the crime.

However, Americk (photo) said no reference was made to the pen drive during his last communication with Charles.

"He did not tell me and neither did I ask him. We were discussing other issues," said Americk who was involved in the drafting of Charles' SD.

He had also previously said he was not aware of the contents of the pen drive.

Asked whether Charles was preparing to respond to Khalid's demands, Americk said he did not know.

Americk also said he is not aware of whether there has been any progress in Charles' plans to seek legal advice before deciding on whether to expose the pen drive.

The businessman has yet to respond to an email Malaysiakini sent to him last Thursday on the progress regarding this issue. -Mkini