Lawyer marches out of chambers over new evidence

By Aidila Razak

Mystery marked the resumption of the inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock this morning, as lawyers first met coroner Azmil Mustapha Abas in chambers.

The meeting was to sort out matters related to a document.

However, 15 minutes later, lawyer Gobind Singh Deo left the building looking agitated.

It was later learnt that that the Attorney-General's Chambers had informed the coroner that a note found 18
months ago in Teoh's bag that "may throw some light regarding his death".

The contents of the said note, which was found two months after Teoh's death, is not known.

When asked, Gobind initially refused to reveal details of the discussion, except for saying: “This is abuse of the court process... Something happened. I am not impressed. I'm not saying any more .... Give me some time to speak to the family."

He then went across the court compound to talk to members of Teoh's family, who he represents.

Meanwhile, a supporter, holding up a photo of Teoh, yelled "Bunuh!"

He maintained his position, refusing to make way for cars in the court compound. He appeared to be trembling.

Identified previously by the Chinese media as Ho Mun Chong, he is said to have joined DAP after Teoh's death.

Since then, he has attended almost every event connected with Teoh's death, including the inquest.

He comes dressed in a red shirt and wears a band around his forehead.

Ho says very little, but trails Teoh's family-members, raising a clenched fist and holding a photo of Teoh.

'Documents withheld'

At 11.45am, the other lawyers emerged from the coroner's chambers. They too would not reveal what had taken place.

Speaking to reporters after consulting with the family, Gobind said he was informed this morning about a document that the prosecution had withheld.

"I was informed this morning that the prosecution will call the investigating officers to produce the document.

"When I asked which document, they told me (it had) not (been) given to us as there were orders. That's why I asked for an audience in chambers."

Asked if the document is Teoh's 'final testament' - the existence of which has been claimed by various parties including Senator Ezam Mohd Nor - the lawyer replied: "I am unable to say."

However, Gobind said the document, which reveals "significant" matters, had been in the prosecution's possession since last October.

"First of all, we don't know if this is authentic. Secondly, I wouldn't say it is detrimental.

"But it reflects that facts and circumstances material to the inquest should have been given to us so we could probe the (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency, MACC) witnesses further."

As such, he said, the next step to consider is to open a royal commission of inquiry into Teoh's death and the manner in which the inquest has been conducted.

Gobind said the prosecution did not explain why it held back the document, and claimed there is reason to believe that further evidence is being withheld.

Addressing the press in tears, Teoh's sister Lee Lan decried the "unjust" way in which the inquest has been handled.

"The judiciary has died," she said, holding back sobs.

Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, representing the Selangor government, said that while the evidence has not been tendered in court, the coroner had allowed lawyers to view the document.

"We may have approached the examination (better) if the document was given earlier...Are we now in a position to ask for re-examination of evidence?" he asked.

He said that, otherwise, "the inquest may not uncover the truth we all seek".

Both lawyers feel that the incident has undermined the integrity of the court and has raised questions about the attorney-general's credibility.

Inquest postponed

The inquest has now been postponed to Aug 18. The coroner has further decided not to call two witnesses who were due to have testified today.

The two, Lee Wye Weng and Mohd Harun Abdullah,had been interrogated by the MACC the same evening that Teoh had been questioned.

However, the coroner was said to have decided "there is no need" to call them as witnesses.

This means that Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand will take the stand when the proceedings resume.