The son of Malaysian-born Australian resident Annapuranee Jenkins has turned to the civil court to seek damages from the police and Malaysian government over a series of alleged negligent acts during the investigation into her death.
Gregory Steven Jenkins filed the writ of summons at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 29, which was confirmed to Malaysiakini by his counsel Sankara Nair.
The lawyer added that following case management of the matter before the civil court this morning, they are in the midst of amending the court documents.
“The statement of claim would be amended and served (on the police and government) by Friday (this week),” Sankara said.
Malaysiakini is attempting to reach out to the government's legal representative from the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) for a response over the matter.
It is understood that the legal action is over purported negligence by the police over the conduct of its investigation into Jenkins’ (above) death.
On May 12, the Penang Coroner’s Court delivered an open verdict into the death of the deceased, who was known as Anna to her family and friends.
Jenkins was reported missing on Dec 5, 2017, and her remains were found on June 14 and 15, 2020. She was 65.
Her remains were found at a construction site within the compound of the Penang Turf Club, along Batu Gantung by a construction worker.
It was reported that South Australia’s Legislative Council member Frank Pangallo dismissed the Malaysian coroner court’s open verdict on Jenkins’ death, adding that he would push for another inquest in the state to determine the cause of her death.
“This whole inquest (in Penang) has been a farce.
“And I think it’s only been played out to try and appease the pressure that has come from Australia, and from human rights activists in this country and elsewhere,” Pangallo was quoted as saying by FMT.
Pangallo reportedly said a South Australian coroner can conduct an inquest into the death of any South Australian “anywhere in the world” and that their coroner was awaiting the outcome of the inquest in Penang.
On Aug 12, 2020, a team of forensic experts consisting of one assistant superintendent of police (ASP), four inspectors, four sergeants, and one corporal, conducted a search and found bone fragments.
On January 13, 2021, 154 days after the first search, the forensic team did another search and found more bone fragments.
A death certificate was then issued for Jenkins, without the actual cause of death being determined.
In an interview with Malaysiakini last year, Gregory claimed he had to carry out his own investigation into the matter despite the case having had 11 investigating officers (IOs) over four years.
The deceased’s family also has a separate bid before the High Court (criminal jurisdiction) to revise the coroner court’s finding. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.