Pornthip: Investigator didn't follow protocol on 'note'.....

Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand today testified that, in the event of a crime scene investigation, any notes found should be immediately sent for forensic examination. Questioned during the inquest into the death of DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock, she said this is the “protocol for investigations into death, especially for suicide”.

In answering lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, acting on behalf of Teoh's family, Pornthip drew from 25 years of experience as a forensic crime scene investigator. She said notes at the scene of a death investigation can prove scientifically if a homicide had occurred, as the identity of the person who leaves the note is verifiable through DNA testing (through saliva on the envelope), and finger- and palm-printing.

Last week, the inquest had been postponed when it was revealed that the Attorney-General's Chambers had in its possession a note said to be Teoh's 'final testament'. This had been found two months after his death on July 16 last year. Teoh, 30, was found dead on the fifth floor service landing of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam. He had been questioned all night as a witness at the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office located on the 14th floor of the building.

'Note circulated on Internet a prank'

Speaking to reporters later, Gobind said the family and their lawyers have yet to decide what to do about the note, which has not been tendered for evidence. “We need time to do the groundwork to certify the fact before we decide,” he said.

The family has engaged a handwriting expert to ascertain the veracity of the note. However, according to Teoh's sister Lee Lan, the handwriting does not resemble her brother's. Lee Lan, who has seen the note which the attorney-general had kept for about a year, also said it is not the four-part note currently circulating on the Internet.

“That is a prank,” she said.

She expressed her disappointment over the attorney-general's handling of the matter.

“Why didn't the AG let us know? Instead Umno members knew (about the note) and even lodged a police report. Why should they know more than us?

“What if the murderer and the murder weapon emerged after a year? Would the rakyat still believe the AG?”

'Exhumation worth it'

Lee Lan also thanked Pornthip for testifying that Teoh did not commit suicide.

“She came here for justice and she has done her job," said Lee Lan.

“From the second autopsy report we at least know that the exhumation was worth it. It was not a waste."

However, she slammed MACC prosecution head Abdul Razak Musa for “harassing” Pornthip during cross-examination.

“I am really sorry that Malaysia has a lawyer like this,” she said.

Lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, who is representing the Selangor government, said Abdul Razak's tactics were “embarrassing”.

“I'm not sure why he had to stoop to that level,” he said, referring to the often absurd questions and remarks directed to Pornthip during cross-examination today.

source:malaysiakini

cheers.