Families of late cadet, inmates go to AGC seeking justice

 NGO says investigations and legal proceedings have been delayed despite court findings and recommendations from oversight bodies.

The group submitting the memorandum to a representative of the AGC at its headquarters in Putrajaya.

PETALING JAYA:

Family members of a cadet and three inmates who died in custody have submitted a memorandum to the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the police seeking justice for their loved ones.

Supported by the Coalition Against Torture and Death in Custody Malaysia, their memorandum was submitted to the AGC’s headquarters in Putrajaya this morning, addressed to both the inspector-general of police and the attorney-general.

The group demanded that the police promptly complete their murder investigation into the death of naval cadet officer J Soosaimanicckam and submit the probe paper to prosecutors.

They also urged the attorney-general to reopen investigations into alleged cover-ups in the custodial death of Syed Azlan Syed Nur, and for an inquest to be held into the death of refugee Rafi Ullah, a Pakistani inmate who was allegedly tortured before dying in Sungai Buloh prison in 2021.

The families also called for an inquest into the 2024 death of Pokok Sena prison inmate Zaidi Abdul Hamid, after he allegedly developed severe infected wounds following 12 strokes of the cane.

“The four families have waited years for answers, accountability and justice,” the coalition’s coordinator, Syed Shariff Syed Nur, said in a statement.

“Despite the court findings, official inquiries, and recommendations from the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission, Suhakam and other oversight bodies, critical investigations and legal proceedings remain stalled.

“They are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for the most basic level of accountability and for the rule of law to be upheld.”

The group also urged Putrajaya to establish an independent inter-agency mechanism to ensure custodial death cases are thoroughly and immediately investigated.

“It is the state’s constitutional responsibility to protect life and ensure equal protection under the law. Families of victims must not be left waiting indefinitely while investigations stagnate,” the memorandum said. - FMT