How long should we wait, Sarbaini’s family asks cops

File photo of Ahmad Sarbaini’s family at his burial on April 7, 2011.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — The family of Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed wants police to reveal the result of their probe into the Customs officer’s mysterious death, fearing the case will “disappear” if the police are allowed to remain silent about the case.

“Don’t leave us twisting in the wind. How long do you want us to wait? It’s been two months since it happened, surely there must be some development?” a source close to the family told The Malaysian Insider.

“I myself wonder what the status of the case is now because nothing seems to be happening... It has just gone quiet.”

The source pointed out that while the police have kept mum, it was Ahmad Sarbaini’s family who were suffering the most waiting for news about latest developments in the case.

He said the last development in the case was on May 4 when the Attorney-General’s Chambers threw back investigation papers submitted by the police.

Ahmad Sarbaini, 56, who was attached to the Port Klang Customs office, was found dead on a badminton court on the first floor of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building in Cheras on April 6.

He had been remanded on March 29 following an MACC-led swoop on a Customs syndicate that it said was responsible for at least RM3 billion in unpaid taxes, resulting in the arrest of 62 officers.

MACC investigations director Datuk Mustafar Ali said Ahmad Sarbaini returned to the MACC building at 8.26am that day without an appointment and had requested to meet the investigation officer without stating why.

His body was later found on the badminton court, but his friends have said it was impossible that he had committed suicide over the MACC investigations.

Ahmad Sarbaini’s family has expressed dissatisfaction with police investigations and claim his death is being covered up.

They have also threatened to sue the MACC if police investigations into his death do not favour the family.