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Monday November 23, 2009

Teoh’s second autopsy done, results to be disclosed at inquest

By TEH ENG HOCK


Teoh's second autopsy completed

KUALA LUMPUR: The second autopsy on political aide Teoh Beng Hock’s remains has been completed but the results are only likely to be disclosed when the inquest into his death resumes on Dec 9.

Teoh’s sister Teoh Lee Lan said the family was given a short briefing after the autopsy at the Sungai Buloh Hospital by Thai forensic pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanansunand – but it was too technical for them to understand.

British observer: Prof Vanezis leaving the Sungai Buloh Hospital after observing the second autopsy yesterday.

“We do not know the results, or when it will be revealed.

“Please be patient and wait for the inquest to resume on Dec 9,” she told reporters yesterday.

Lee Lan confirmed that her brother’s remains would be re-buried at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Semenyih tomorrow.

Teoh’s body was exhumed on Saturday after the coroner ordered a second post-mortem. Dr Pornthip had testified at the inquest that the likely cause of death was homicide and not suicide.

Teoh was found dead on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam on July 16 after being questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The commission’s Selangor office is on the 14th floor of the same building.

The autopsy started at noon after the pathologists spent the morning discussing and performing X-ray and CT scans on the remains.

The autopsy was completed by 3.15pm. It was carried out by Sungai Buloh Hospital’s Pathology and Forensics Department chief Dr Shahidan Md Noor.

Thai expert: Dr Pornthip (second from right) briefing Beng Kee (left) while Gobind looks on yesterday.

Besides Dr Pornthip, who is engaged by the Selangor government, others observing the autopsy were British forensic pathologist Prof Peter Vanezis, who is appointed by the MACC, and pathologists from the first autopsy Dr Khairul Azman Ibrahim and Dr Prashant Naresh Samberkar.

Dr K. Saravanan assisted by taking photographs during the post-mortem.

Lee Lan, together with her brother Beng Kee and parents Teoh Leng Hwee and Teng Shuw Hor, had arrived at the hospital at 8.30am.

Gobind Singh Deo, counsel for Teoh’s family, said no time limit was set for the autopsy.

“There is no pressure for them to finish by a certain time.

“What is important is for it to be done thoroughly, and that all aspects that can raise any doubt be addressed,” he said.

Gobind also thanked the police for acting quickly to provide escorts after Dr Pornthip complained that she had been followed on Friday and Saturday.

“To those following her, come forward. Don’t be cowards,” he said.

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