The family of senior Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed has agreed to an inquest being held into the cause of his death, after reported initial reluctance.

However, their lawyer Ghazali Mohd Ramli said the family had never rejected the attorney-general’s recommendation that an inquest be held.

“There is no question (that they have changed their) mind. It is possible that Boy (Ahmad Sarbani’s son Shahril) was the one who had disagreed with this,” said Ghazali.

NONE Shahril, 26, had wanted the government to set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to look into the death of Ahmad Sarbani.

Ghazali said he had advised the family that the only way forward on a legal basis is to agree to the inquest. After this, the government can decide whether or not there is a need for an RCI.

“There could be a possibility that some may not agree with it, but the family and widow (Maziah Manap) understand the need to follow the law,” he told Malaysiakini .

Ghazali did not want to comment what may have led to Shahril’s change of mind, beyond saying: “It is best you ask Maziah.”

However, Maziah did not respond to calls.

Magistrate Aizatul Akmar Maharani will sit as coroner in the inquest which is scheduled to be held from July 4-15.

Ahmad Sarbani had died due to a fall from height at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Kuala Lumpur two months ago.

His friends said they suspect foul play , as he had told some colleagues that he intended to retract the statement which he had given to the MACC.