Case 1

I refer to the ‘magic note’ that has appeared in the Teoh Beng Hock inquest belatedly. The investigation officer (IO) has claimed that he originally did not see the significance of the note as it was in Chinese characters.

 

All documents, especially the ones that cannot be understood and all evidence no matter how small or big must be listed down in an investigation. The list of evidence should also be tendered as a court exhibit for all to see and for verification when the need arises.

 

So the IO only went back to look for the note after a psychiatrist apparently said that for suicide cases there will always be a note? This is not satisfactory. An experienced IO should know this upon starting the investigation, especially one which from day one has been classified as suicide.

 

Case 2

 

In the recent case of the murdered cosmetic queen, it has been highlighted by the press and police alike that there are allegation about the suspect in the current case in that there have been a number of land deals gone awry and of missing persons from overseas.

In fact, a visitor from India had made report in February (as stated in a newspaper) but nothing much has happened since. Now the police wish to re-open the case to see if any foul play was at work.

 

Again, from the victims’ perspective, this can be highly traumatic and troubling as the authorities could not get to the bottom of the matter quickly enough the first time. It is the duty and the responsibility of the authorities to investigate all cases till a satisfactory conclusion has been reached and be too quick to close a case or deem it ‘no further action’ necessary.

 

The paramount importance in crime investigation apart from catching the perpetrator is also to give peace of mind and closure to the victim’s family. I do hope and wish the police well in resolving some of the old cases that are being earmarked to be reopened.