SHAH ALAM: Counsel Syazlin Mansor told the coroner's court today that she would no longer represent the Housing and Local Government Ministry, and the Fire and Rescue Department in the inquest proceedings into the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim
Syazlin said this a few minutes after the coroner's court began its session before Coroner Rofiah Mohamad.
"I believe with my withdrawal, the appointment of (Professor) Dr Shahrom (Abdul Wahid) has become void," she said, without stating the reason for her decision.
Dr Shahrom, a retired pathologist from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital (HUKM), was appointed as an expert witness of the inquest.
He had suggested that Adib was pulled out from the emergency medical rescue services (EMRS) vehicle during a riot on Nov 27, outside the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya.
Following Syazlin's announcement, Adib's family lawyer; Ahmad Taufiq Baharom, told the coroner's court that they were leaving the matter for the court to decide, as there was no other witness to call.
The court adjourned for 45 minutes and when it resumed Rofiah set June 26 for mention of the inquest.
She said three matters would be resolved on that date - replacement of counsel, names of witnesses and physics experts to be called by both sides, and the decision on whether to recall Dr Shahrom to testify.
Earlier, Rofiah questioned Syazlin whether there will be a replacement as the inquest could not proceed without a counsel.
"I believe the ministry will discuss the appointment (of new counsel) with the Attorney-General." Syazlin replied.
Adib's inquest first commenced on Feb 11, and to date a total of 29 witnesses have testified.
Adib, 24, died from severe injuries sustained after he was allegedly assaulted by rioters during the incident.
He was part of an emergency response team despatched to the scene to douse a vehicle that had been torched.
Despite showing signs of recovery while being treated at the National Heart Institute, Adib died on Dec 17.
Meanwhile, Syazlin when met outside the court refused to comment on her sudden withdrawal.
"No comment. Any further questions can be addressed to YB," she said, referring to the Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Pressed further if she had been asked to withdraw from representing the ministry and Fire and Rescue Department, Syazlin replied; "Sorry, no comment."
Commenting on his appointment that had become void Dr Shahrom said: "You have to ask Puan Syazlin, she's my lawyer following my appointment (as an expert witness).
Asked if there was a directive given to withdraw, Dr Shahrom replied; "I cannot answer that.
"Because when the lawyer has decided to withdraw, my appointment has become void automatically."
KW: inquest, counsel, withdrawal, fireman, Muhammad Adib, coroner's court, appointment, void automatically