RCI secures assistance of Vanezis, British private eye
Following the securing of forensics expert Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand to assist the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Teoh Beng Hock’s death, it was announced today that another forensic expert - Professor Dr Peter Vanezis - has also agreed to testify at the commission
Following the securing of forensics expert Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand to assist the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Teoh Beng Hock’s death, it was announced today that another forensic expert - Professor Dr Peter Vanezis - has also agreed to testify at the commission.
In a statement today, RCI secretary Saripuddin Kasim said Vanezis (
right
) has agreed to render his testimony.
Both Pornthip and Vanezis were engaged to give their expert opinions during the inquest into Teoh's death.
The RCI was formed in late January, after the 18-month long inquest returned an open verdict that ruled Teoh’s death was not due to either suicide or homicide.
Pornthip ( below ), who was engaged by the Selangor government, had given her opinion that the second post-mortem on Teoh's body proved did not commit suicide .
The expert with Thailand’s Forensic Science Institute also said, however, that there was an 80 percent chance that Teoh's death was
homicide
.
Vanezis, who was brought in by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, disagreed with Pornthip's assertion, stating that the Teoh's injuries showed he was most likely "conscious" and "fully orientated".
In his statement, Saripuddin also said the RCI has also engage a British investigator, Michael Leslie Squires, to assist the commission.
Squires was appointed by the Attorney-General (AG) under Section 16(2) of the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 upon the commission's request.
Ex-ICAC man to look at MACC procedures
"For the purpose of investigation, he shall have all the powers in relations to investigation given to police officers in any seizable case and is authorised to search any premises and take possession of any articles or documents relating to the matter being investigated," said Saripuddin.
Squires is a decorated former chief investigator for Hong Kong's Independet Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). He was present at the inquiry today.
At the RCI hearing today, panel chief James Foong said Squires will be focussing on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's investigation procedures.
"I think the commission will seek another investigator to determine the cause of death," he said.
Bar Council lawyer Chris Leong previously suggested that the RCI hires a Hong Kong police personnel to assist with the commission's probe.
However, the Hong Kong police force has yet to respond to their request, said Foong.


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