PUTRAJAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has instructed its lawyer, Syazlin Mansor, to withdraw from the inquest into the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim in accordance with Attorney-General (AG) Tommy Thomas’s advice, said an aide to Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Nor Hizwan Ahmad, who is Zuraida’s political secretary, said the AG, in a letter dated May 23, requested that the appointment of the ministry’s lawyer be revoked.
“Upon receipt of a letter from the AG requesting that the appointment of the ministry’s lawyer be revoked, the ministry immediately acted in accordance with the AG’s advice and instructed its lawyer to withdraw from the inquest,” he said in a statement today.
Nor Hizwan said it had been public knowledge that Syazlin had been representing the Fire and Rescue Department and the ministry since the inquest commenced on Feb 11 this year.
“No objections were raised by any of the parties involved in the inquest throughout the course of the inquest which is nearing its end,” he said.
Nor Hizwan said Syazlin was appointed at an early stage to ensure and assist in the discovery of the full facts surrounding the death of Adib.
“This was a matter of great importance to the Fire and Rescue Department and the ministry as a member of the department had died in the course of carrying out his duty,” he said.
Nor Hizwan said Syazlin, who is also the wife of Zuraida’s press secretary, was appointed on a ‘pro bono’ basis.
She accepted the appointment and carried out her the work without payment and in the spirit of public service, he said.
“We take this opportunity to record our gratitude for the service she performed,” he said.
Syazlin announced her withdrawal from the inquest yesterday.
Muhammad Adib, 24, who was also a member of the emergency medical rescue services (EMRS) at Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue station, was seriously injured in a riot at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, USJ 25, Subang Jaya on Nov 27, 2018.
He passed away on Dec 17 at the National Heart Institute. – Bernama
