GEORGE TOWN – An inquest into the death of Aussie grandmother Annapuranee “Anna” Jenkins is in the works, said Penang police as authorities await a date at the coroner’s court.
The authorities have also defended their investigation into the cold case after an Australian politician accused them of incompetency and insensitivity.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain told a press conference today that the authorities followed the necessary procedures during the investigation, contrary to what was alleged by the Aussie politician.
“When the skeletal remains were found on August 11, last year, we resumed our investigation after the case turned cold in 2017. In total, 15 witnesses were interviewed.”
However, Shuhaily said he needs to reserve comment on the investigation as the matter will be heard in court.
“The police also cooperated with the Australian High Commission officials and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on this case.”
On accusations that the police were incompetent from the initial stage, Shuhaily said this is up to each individual’s assessment but generally, the Royal Malaysian Police view seriously all cases of missing persons.
He added that police are open to recommendations on how to improve their policing and investigation if certain parties are unhappy.
“I also extend my invitation to the AFP to assist as Australia is an advanced country. Perhaps, it can help us, too.”
He said more skeletal remains were hard to find, as the area was cleared for a landscaping project.
Partial remains were found last year.
“We cannot piece together a complete body as only some remains were found. The other parts may have been invertedly discarded by the contractors clearing the land.”
The police said they followed all processes, including dispatching forensic specialists and a canine unit to try to unearth more evidence but only a limited number of personal belongings and skeletal remains were found.
Two days ago, SA Best member of the South Australian Legislative Council Frank Pangallo in a statement named the Malaysian government, the Royal Malaysian Police, Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Department, as well as the AFP as parties that need to improve their handling of the case.
He added that he has written to Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne with a request to initiate discussions “as a matter of urgency” with the Malaysian government to push for a formal investigation.
Pangallo has asked the Australian government to request Malaysia repatriate Anna’s remains to South Australia and bear the cost, allowing her family an opportunity to conduct a funeral.
“Her family deserves justice – and they deserve closure.”
He also lambasted Malaysia for failing to solve the case.
“The government of Malaysia has an international responsibility to at least try to solve her unsolved death.” – The Vibes, October 29, 2021
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