KUALA LUMPUR – Another custodial death has been brought to light, this time involving Mohd Ali Othman, 44, who died at Kluang Prison on July 29, almost six months after he was jailed on February 3.
The victim’s sister, Siti Halijah, told a press conference today that Ali was in good health when he was sent to jail, but his condition deteriorated over the past months.
Prison authorities called his wife to sign documents for a surgery he needed, but later told her that the procedure had been carried out and her signature was not required, said Siti Halijah.
“We felt it was very strange that my brother had to undergo surgery. I called Kluang Hospital, and they told me that they had to operate on his thighs and intestinal area due to an infection.”
She said Ali had told her that he was in immense pain weeks before the surgery, to the point where he was unable to walk.
My brother said he was given treatment at the prison clinic only once. When I called the prison doctors on June 17 to ask about my brother, they said he was fine after the surgery and there were no complications.”
Ali complained several times after the procedure that he was in a lot of pain and had difficulty walking, and when Siti Halijah called prison doctors again, the response was the same: “He is fine.”
Ali’s wife was informed that he died of Covid-19 at 8.30pm on July 29.
“He was pronounced dead at 6.50pm, and yet, no one from the prison informed us of his condition and that he was sent to hospital,” said Siti Halijah.
“They did not even do a post-mortem. All they said was, he died due to Covid-19.”
Family lawyer M. Visvanathan said he will submit a letter to the Prisons Department and Attorney-General’s Chambers for an inquest into Ali’s death.
Without evidence, you can’t just say Covid-19 was the cause of death. The prison has a responsibility to keep the families of prisoners informed on their condition, especially if they are sick.”
He said Siti Halijah received a call from police about 11pm yesterday, and she was asked to come to the police station at 1pm today without a lawyer.
“It’s not right for police to tell someone that they don’t need a lawyer present.
“You have the right to request legal representation when you’re having your statement taken.”
It is not sensible for cops to call at such a late hour, he said, adding that given Ali’s death was reported a week ago, such urgency is not justifiable.
Visvanathan also urged prison authorities to prioritise vaccination for inmates and staff to curb coronavirus transmission. – The Vibes, August 6, 2021
