Duo did not refuse to give DNA samples, says Gobind

(The Star) – Two people involved in the Teoh Beng Hock inquest who had not given their DNA samples to police did not refuse to do so – they were unable to do so earlier, their lawyer said.

Gobind Singh Deo, who is holding a watching brief for Teoh’s family, said Kajang councillor Tan Boon Hwa and one Lee Wye Wing were willing to provide their DNA samples as soon as possible.

“We are prepared to go, even today (yesterday). I’m ready to take Boon Hwa to whichever police station,” he said, adding that Lee was not in town but should be available to submit his sample in the next two days.

On Wednesday, the inquest was told of the presence of an unidentified DNA profile on Teoh’s clothing.

Gobind said it was widely misunderstood by many, including an English daily and some blogs, that the duo had refused to give DNA samples.

He said Tan Hock Chuan, who was lead counsel representing the Attorney-General’s Chambers, had told the inquest that two people refused to give their DNA samples.

“I informed the coroner that it was not the case. On Tuesday evening, I received two calls – one from Tan Boon Hwa and another from Lim Lip Eng (Lee’s lawyer), asking me to call one ASP Yong.

“I tried to call him (ASP Yong) but could not get hold of him,” he said, adding that he had understood from Boon Hwa and Lim that the authorities wanted DNA samples.

Gobind told Boon Hwa and Lee to go straight to court the following day as both had been subpoenaed.