Family of inmate who died in prison sues Government

IPOH: The family of an inmate who died in Tapah Prison is suing 13 people, including the Government and Inspector-General of Police.

Rahaya Salleh, mother of Kamarulnizam Ismail who died on March 8, 2014, filed a writ of summons at the High Court on March 3.

M. Visvanathan, counsel for Rahaya, at case management proceedings in the judge’s chambers yesterday, said the family was suspicious of the way Kamarulnizam died.

He said an inquest into the death was told that Kamarulnizam had died from a chest infection which was stated in a post-mortem report.

“But the family is unhappy because there were injuries on the body,” he said.

Visvanathan said Kamarulnizam was charged with having stolen items in his possession and fined RM800, in default 14 days’ jail, under the Minor Offences Act.

“He could not pay the fine and was jailed on March 6,” he said. “He even told his mother to wait for him to come out.”.

Visvanathan said that while in prison, Kamarulnizam had complained of diarrhoea and was examined by a doctor who allegedly did not detect a chest infection.

Judicial commissioner S.M. Komathy Suppiah set May 15, for mention. Also in chambers was senior federal counsel Fatin Hanum Abdul Hadi.