The family of 25-year-old commando Abdul Hamid Talib today sought an intervention from Suhakam, claiming they have been left in the dark over investigations into the incident that left the young trooper permanently disabled.
The move came two days after the army announced it had taken action against the perpetrators, saying both its internal investigation and the police probe had been completed.
However, his family’s counsel Sharifah Rania Aljunied said neither the lawyers nor the family had been informed of the findings despite repeatedly seeking updates from the authorities.
“Maybe there was an internal investigation, but until today, no action has been taken. No one has been removed from their position, no one has been brought to court, and no one has been charged.
“The family has not received any explanation from the authorities," the Lawyers for Liberty representative told reporters outside the Suhakam office.
When contacted by Malaysiakini, Mersing district police chief Abdul Razak Abdullah Sani said the investigation paper was resubmitted to the deputy public prosecutor’s office on July 27 after investigators completed all additional inquiries requested by prosecutors.
The case is now pending further instructions from the prosecution, Razak added.
Malaysiakini has also reached out to the army for comments.
Appeal to Suhakam
Following the lack of development, a memorandum was submitted to Suhakam today seeking an independent inquiry, as investigations by the army and police did not provide the family or lawyers with any information on the case.
They were received by Suhakam vice-chairperson Mariati Robert and Complaints and Monitoring Division assistant secretary Faiz Abd Rahman, who heard the family's concerns during the memorandum handover.
Mariati said the commission would first exercise its powers under the Suhakam Act to seek information from the relevant authorities before deciding whether to call for an inquiry.
“Our role in Suhakam is that we have the right under the Act to write to the relevant authorities, such as the police, to ask about the latest stage of the investigation, and of course they are obliged to reply to us.
"We will study all these issues and make the necessary recommendations to the government,” she said.
She added that if the information obtained proved unsatisfactory, Suhakam could later consider establishing an inquiry, although such a move would require significant manpower and resources.
Trooper still in dire condition
Separately, Sharifah Rania added that Hamid's planned discharge had been put on hold and that he remains hospitalised at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
The update came after LFL adviser Latheefa Koya revealed on July 27 that UMMC informed the family that Hamid would be discharged due to a shortage of beds, despite his condition having yet to improve.
However, although the trooper continues to receive treatment, his condition remains unchanged. Hamid is still unable to speak, eat or recognise his surroundings, and relies entirely on feeding and breathing tubes.
He has also been diagnosed as a quadriplegic.
Sharifah Rania added that the family received communication from the army after the press conference, when an officer sent a WhatsApp message stating that "any financial payment can be paid together".
She questioned why the family was being asked to shoulder any financial burden when the incident occurred at an army camp, adding that Hamid's medical expenses have already run into thousands of ringgit.
“This happened inside an army base camp. The family are the victims. Why are they being told they have to bear the financial costs together?
“They are already facing significant financial difficulties because of what happened. The authorities should take full responsibility, including all financial assistance and welfare support required by the family," she said.
Hamid, a member of the Special Service Group (Grup Gerak Khas), sustained severe head trauma on March 11 while serving at the Iskandar Camp in Mersing, leading to the removal of parts of his skull.
The military claimed the injury was caused by a fall, but his family’s lawyers argued that the extent of his injuries is more consistent with assault or corporal punishment.
The incident has left the young commando in a vegetative state, unable to care for himself without medical support. - Mkini
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