Teoh inquest: A-G’s chambers withheld important documents, claims counsel

(The Star) SHAH ALAM: New documents the Attorney-General’s chambers planned to introduce Monday to the Teoh Beng Hock inquest, would have changed the direction of the inquest if submitted earlier, alleged Gobind Singh Deo, the counsel for Teoh’s family.

Gobind said the A-G’s chambers had admitted to having the documents since October last year, adding that the documents should have been revealed in the early stages of the inquest because of their relevance.

He said A-G Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail should step down due to his conduct of witholding evidence, and that a royal commission of inquiry should be initiated immediately, given the turn of events.

Meanwhile, the inquest into the death of political aide Teoh was adjourned to Aug 18, when Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand is scheduled to take the stand.

Early Monday, events were shrouded in mystery as the counsels and coroner were holed up in chambers, after Gobind asked Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas permission to confer in chambers.

Gobind later stormed out of the coroner’s chambers, packed his things and left the courtroom.

He initially refused to speak to the media and said he would only comment after speaking to Teoh’s family.

Selangor state government counsel Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission head of prosecution Datuk Abdul Razak Musa and counsel assisting the government Tan Hock Chuan continued their discussion with the coroner in chambers.

Malik Imtiaz later told reporters that the way they handled the case and questioned the witnesses would have been different if the documents had been introduced earlier.