The family of commando Abdul Hamid Talib, who was left in a vegetative state following an incident at a Johor army camp, has accused the armed forces of washing their hands of the case amid the victim’s expected discharge from hospital tomorrow.
Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) adviser Latheefa Koya said the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) had informed the family that the 25-year-old will be discharged due to a bed shortage, despite his condition yet to show signs of recovery.
The hospital is also said to have issued a list of medical equipment that the family will have to secure for Hamid’s care, including a hospital bed, special mattress, wheelchair, portable suction machine, nutritional milk, and a blood pressure monitor.
“Two letters requesting clarification sent by lawyers to the UMMC director on July 14 and 22 went completely unanswered,” Latheefa told a press conference at LFL’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya today.
“Who is going to bear the cost (of the required medical equipment)? The military is not taking any responsibility.
“The family had to rent another house and raise funds on their own. Is this how a national soldier is treated?" the lawyer pressed.
Also present at the press conference was the victim's mother, Josmah Duim, 54.
It was previously reported that Hamid, a member of the Special Service Group (Grup Gerak Khas), sustained extensive injuries at the Iskandar Camp in Mersing on March 11, including severe head trauma leading to the removal of parts of his skull.
Hamid was left in a vegetative state, where he is unable to speak, eat, or recognise his surroundings, and relies entirely on feeding and breathing tubes.
While lawyers representing his family claimed that the initial explanation given by the military for the trooper’s injuries was due to a fall, the account has been disputed, with the lawyers arguing that the extent of his injuries is more consistent with assault or severe physical punishment.
On May 12, Defence Minister Khaled Nordin said the investigation paper on the case had been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor for further action by the relevant authorities.
Attempted murder
However, Latheefa today questioned the supposed lack of police action regarding two police reports the victim's family made, including the latest one on April 30.
Reiterating arguments against claims of a fall being the reason behind Hamid’s injuries, Latheefa said: “(His) injuries are the result of an attack so serious - perhaps an attack with intent to kill.”
“It has been months since the reports were made, and there has been zero response from the police or the government.
“There should be an investigation and arrests under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder,” Latheefa stressed.
As such, she repeated the family’s appeal for the police to establish a special task force from Bukit Aman to investigate the case under attempted murder.
The family is also urging the Health Ministry and the Defence Ministry to provide an official response regarding the status of the case and UMMC's actions in allegedly ordering the patient to be discharged without adequate follow-up support.
When contacted by Malaysiakini, Khaled said he would look into the matter.
Malaysiakini has also contacted the Health Ministry and Higher Education Ministry for a response. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.