Fire Dept’s lawyer withdraws from Adib’s inquest
PUCHONG: The lawyer representing the Housing and Local Government Ministry and the Fire and Rescue Department has withdrawn from the inquest investigating firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim’s death.
The lawyer, Syazlin Mansor, said this at the Coroner’s Court in Shah Alam this morning. She added that her decision will also invalidate expert witness professor Dr Shahrom Abdul Wahid’s testimony.
“With my withdrawal, I believe the appointment of Dr Shahrom as an expert witness is also void,” she said.
Syazlin did to state any reason for her sudden decision.
Shahrom’s testimony runs contrary to the testimony of two other expert witnesses’ theory that Adib had died due to injuries sustained from falling from the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle.
Shahrom, the former head of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia forensics unit, believed that Adib sustained his injuries after being pulled out of the EMRS vehicle and assaulted.
Ahmad Taufiq Baharum, the lawyer representing Adib’s family, told the Coroner’s Court that they have no other witnesses to call after Syazlin’s shocking announcement.
Coroner Rofiah Mohamad then adjourned the hearing to make a decision later.
Adib, a member of the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Station EMRS Unit, was seriously injured in the rioting incident at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, USJ 25, Subang Jaya last year.
He subsequently succumbed to his injuries and died on Dec 17 at the National Heart Institute.
Later, the coroner’s court set June 26 for the mention into the inquest after being told by Syazlin that the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Fire and Rescue Department and Adib’s family want to remain as interested parties.
“I believe Attorney General (Tommy Thomas) will discuss with Minister (Zuraida Kamaruddin) on the appointment (of a new counsel),” said Syazlin.
On related matter, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak urged the government to explain why Syazlin decided to withdraw from the case.
“The lawyer appointed by the Pakatan Harapan government decided to withdraw suddenly. This is a serious case. Transparency must prevail,” he said in a tweet.
