A PROVISION under the Penal Code has been identified for investigation into the custodial death of Noorizwan Zulkefly, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
The Home Minister said that there is no cover-up in the case, adding that investigations into Noorizwan’s death have been taken over by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
“The CID has taken over the case, and a section under the Penal Code has been identified as the basis for the investigation.
“This means there is no effort or attempt to cover up the matter,” he said when responding to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who sought an explanation over Noorizwan’s death, citing post-mortem findings that allegedly revealed multiple serious injuries.
Rayer stressed that he was not blaming the entire police force but said the alleged actions of a small number of personnel warranted scrutiny.
Saifuddin Nasution said he was just briefed by the police on the case, stressing that his ministry will not tolerate any wrongdoing, including among law enforcement personnel.
“We have never compromised on violations, if any, even when they involve law enforcement agencies.
“If there are developments in the investigation, I will personally make them known,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) questioned the authorities’ decision to investigate three lawyers involved in the case, raising concerns about the implications for legal practitioners carrying out their professional duties.
He sought clarification on whether the investigations against the lawyers would continue, arguing that such an action could set a troubling precedent.
In his response, Saifuddin Nasution said he was not privy to the circumstances that prompted the investigation, including how the lawyers had interacted with officials while accompanying individuals to meet medical specialists.
He stressed that being a lawyer did not automatically exempt an individual from investigation and cautioned against interpreting the move as an attempt to target legal practitioners exposing alleged police misconduct.
“Let the process take its course. I cannot give an assurance that simply because they are lawyers, the investigation must stop.
“No minister can issue such an instruction,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Noorizwan’s family members, accompanied by lawyers and representatives of non-governmental organisations, marched from the National Monument to Parliament at about 10.30am to submit a memorandum calling for parliamentary intervention in the case.
It was handed over by Noorizwan’s younger sister, Nooranis Zulkefly, and Lawyers for Liberty lawyer Rania Aljunied to the Home Minister’s political secretary, Omar A Manap.
According to initial investigations, Noorizwan was said to have been detained at the Cheras district police headquarters on Sept 19 in connection with investigations under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, as well as the Penal Code.
He was referred to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz in Cheras for treatment on Sept 30 before being pronounced dead at 1.52am on Oct 1.
