Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Can't confirm that Ahmad Sarbaini's death was accidental, says expert

The death of Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed could not be confirmed as "accidental", a forensic pathologist told the Coroner's court here Tuesday.

Associate Prof Dr Faridah Mohd Noor, who is attached to the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, said she could not make the conclusion, saying: "I can't say. That is for the court to decide."

Earlier, she had said that based on the pattern of injuries, and circumstantial evidence, she found his death to be accidental, not suicidal or homicidal.

"But my findings were based on the fact that he did not have hesitation marks on his body (wound marks caused by persons who are suicidal), or defence wounds (wound marks caused by a person trying to fight off an attacker)," she replied to lawyer Awtar Singh, who is representing Ahmad Sarbaini's family.

Awtar Singh: But it is possible he was thrown out?

Dr Faridah: Possible, but it would not have been easy. There would surely be signs of struggle between the deceased and attacker.

Ahmad Sarbaini, 56, who was attached to the Port Klang Customs office, was found dead on the first floor of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building on April 6.

He was reported to have gone to the commissions office to meet the investigating officer assigned to corruption cases involving 62 customs officers.

Questioned by deputy public prosecutor Hanim Mohd Rashid earlier, Dr Faridah said Ahmad Sarbaini was found to have died because of severe head injuries and positional asphyxia.

"The pattern of injuries are consistent with a fall from height.

"His death was caused by severe head injuries and positional asphyxia due to fall from height," she said.

The hearing before Coroner Aizatul Akmal Maharani continues Wednesday.

Source : The Star

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