PUTRAJAYA: The actions of some quarters using the inquest into the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim for political capital during the Cameron Highlands by-election campaign period is uncalled for.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said the department wanted those responsible to stop doing so as their actions would jeopardise the credibility of the investigation and the people’s unity.
“We don’t agree with their actions. My advice is that the matter (Adib’s death) is still being investigated and now in the inquest stage.
“Should we make any statement, it can contradict with what has been investigated and evidence that has been collected. Their actions can put the credibility of the investigation at risk and have legal implications. We do not want it (the inquest) to be used for the interest of some.
“Of course we want justice (for Adib) to be upheld and preserved because a civil servant has lost his life while rendering service in a sincere and honest manner,” he told reporters after the department’s 2019 annual parade.
The Coroner’s Court in Shah Alam has set Feb 11 to April 12 for the inquest proceeding to determine the cause of Adib’s death.
Adib, 24, was attached to the Emergency Medical Response Service (EMRS) unit at the Subang Jaya fire station.
He was severely injured when he arrived in the vicinity of the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya, early on Nov 27 last year to put out a car fire during riots that erupted purportedly over the relocation of the house of worship.
He was reported to have been assaulted by rioters, but it was later claimed that he had been hit by a fire engine driven in reverse after the vehicle was attacked.
This, however, was later denied by Adib’s colleagues.
Adib succumbed to his injuries at the National Heart Institute on Dec 17. The coroner’s inquest is to determine exact cause of death.
On another matter, Hamdan said the department must up its level of readiness to face the challenges of the 21st century brought on by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He said it should also be ready to address various global risks including natural disasters and climate change.
“The department needs to formulate a physical development plan so that the construction of fire stations and facilities can be done in an orderly and systematic manner as part of our efforts to improve our services,” he said, adding that the department would intensify strategic cooperation with other countries by sharing expertise and services.