Lawyer shouldn't have withdrawn from Adib inquest - Dr M

Lawyer Syazlin Mansor should not have withdrawn herself from the inquest into the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

Mahathir said that she should not have done so even if instructed to withdraw from representing the Housing and Local Government Ministry and the Fire and Rescue Department.

He added that the lawyer should have continued acting for the family of the deceased if she really wanted to find justice in the case.

"The attorney-general has issued a statement on what actually happened. The lawyer is acting for Adib’s family, then she agreed to act for the government (Housing and Local Government Ministry). 

"How is that possible when the government, through the (inquest) proceeding, wants to ascertain the cause of Adib’s death?

"The person who appointed the lawyer was unaware that she was already acting for Adib’s family. 

"When it came out in the open, the lawyer must withdraw from representing the government and continue representing Adib’s family, but she withdrew from representing all (three) parties in a bid to find the truth.

“The truth can be found in court. Now, even a prime minister has no power in court. If we don’t believe in court, who can we believe in to make decisions?"

Mahathir said this after chairing Bersatu supreme leadership council meeting in Petaling Jaya today, which was also attended by party president Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a statement earlier today, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, which oversees the Fire and Rescue Department, said it had instructed Syazlin to withdraw from the inquest into Adib’s death in accordance with AG’s advice.

Syazlin announced her withdrawal from the inquest on the 37th day of the inquest before coroner Rofiah Mohamad yesterday, thus raising speculation about conspiracies and attempts to influence the outcome of the proceedings.

Adib, who was a member of the emergency medical rescue services (EMRS) at Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue station, was seriously injured in a riot at Seafield Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Subang Jaya on Nov 27, 2018.

He passed away after 21 days later at the National Heart Institute.

Mahathir was also asked whether Attorney-General Tommy Thomas should be sacked in connection with this issue, as demanded by certain quarters.

“People are going for this person (Thomas) for no reason. Whatever he does, there is a reason," he said in response.

"The reason was, this lawyer was representing two conflicting parties, so at the very least, she should resign from being a lawyer for the government.

“The minister (Zuraida) did not know she (Syazlin) was also the lawyer for Adib’s family, you want me to sack Zuraida too?” he chided.

- Bernama