Penang Gerakan expresses its concern over a news report that Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand was pressured and discouraged from testifying at the inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock.

Dr Thor Teong Gee, the secretary of the Publicity, Information and Communication Bureau in a press statement today, said the inquest had drawn great attention from the local, as well as the world.

Dr Thor reiterated that in order for the government to reform the justice system, as well as restore the credibility of the Malaysian Royal Police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the government needs to ensure the inquest is fairly carried out.

“The government must investigate any negative element which can jeopardize a fair inquest.”

He added that the government should give an assurance to Dr Pronthip that her safety would be well taken care of by the authorities.

“The government needs to investigate whether there was such a threat. Action should be taken against the wrongdoers.”

In my opinion, the inquest without the testimonials from Dr Pronthip may severely affect public confidence on the decision made by the Coroner’s Court.

“Justice should not only be done but seen to be done.”