No stone will be left unturned in Adib's case, promises AG

No stone will be left unturned when the police submit the investigation papers (IP) on the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, said Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.

“That is our promise,” he said in a statement this afternoon.

Thomas said due to constant speculation, most of which are misinformed, have prompted various agencies of the government to take measures in the wake the Coroner Court's decision on the inquest held to determine Adib's cause of death.

He said when the police completed their investigations, their findings would be presented to the Deputy Public Prosecutor.

“It is at this stage that our role begins. We have to study the IP, review the recommendations of the police, and charge the individuals concerned,” he added.

Noting that Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said the matter would be investigated, Thomas stated that the police should be given the time and space to work on the case.

“They have the resources of the state and the necessary experience and expertise to carry out their duties under the law.

“The IGP will no doubt keep the anxious public posted from time to time of developments in their investigations,” he added.

Last week, Coroner Rofiah Mohamad ruled that Adib's death was a criminal act perpetrated by two or three unidentified assailants during a riot outside the Seafield Temple last November.

The court also found that the police's inaction in controlling the riot had contributed to the 24-year-old firefighter's tragic death.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Bar president Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor also urged for the police to be given sufficient latitude and space to conduct their investigations.

“It is to be reminded that the verdict of an inquest, unlike a criminal conviction, does not impute any liability against anyone. 

It is merely an exercise for the finding of facts, in determining how a deceased would have come upon his/her death, the cause of death and if there were any criminal elements in it," he said.

“Any verdict that touches on the involvement of crime can only be acted upon based on concluded police investigations.

“The Malaysian Bar calls on the police to conduct a more thorough and rigorous reinvestigation, with no stone left unturned, to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

Abdul Fareed said the death of public servant in the course of his duty as a result of crime should not be in vain.

He also advised the public to exercise restraint and allow the police to conduct a fair investigation.

-Mkini