PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, widely known as Mat Sabu, is slated to testify in the Malaysia Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) inquiry into the allegations of violations of human rights during the Bersih 2.0 rally.

This was confirmed by his lawyer Mohd Hanipa Maidin and also Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah to Malaysiakini today.

suhakam inquest on bersih rally 111011 presenting officer ameer Izyanif hamzah Suhakam presenting officer Ameer Izyanif Hamzah ( left ) said before the start of today’s proceedings that although the public inquiry begins today, only 14 witnesses have come forward to testify.

“Thirty-six complaints have been channelled to Suhakam, while only 14 people are willing to come forward to have their statements recorded. Suhakam has yet to record statements from the police witnesses,” he said.

“The major areas of focus are on the Tung Shin Hospital, the Chinese Maternity Hospital, Puduraya, Kampung Baru, Menara Maybank, Jalan Pudu and around Kuala Lumpur.”

He hoped that more witnesses would be willing to come forward to record their statements and participate in the inquiry.

Ameer Izyanif said this in his opening remarks at the start of today’s proceedings. The proceedings continue on Nov 15.

Throughout the first day of proceedings three witnesses testified namely Kenneth Steven Chan, his girlfriend Rita Lee, and lawyer Nursyazwani Muharam.

More witnesses coming

Maria, commenting on the lack of witnesses, said some were willing to come forward and others were not although they have complained to Bersih 2.0 and Suhakam.

“Bersih 2.0 is compiling the complaints and is also helping out Suhakam. The 14 witnesses who will come to testify included those who were harrassed and intimidated prior to the July 9 rally. There are also other NGOs within Bersih like Tenaganita who will put their witnesses forward,” she said.

“Mat Sabu is also slated to testify among the 14 witnesses. Today there were not many witnesses as the inquiry was slated to begin tomorrow. However, Suhakam brought it forward to today and that is why some could not come. We will assist Suhakam to gather more witnesses,” she said.

azlan Mat Sabu suffered a torn ligament in his right leg, resulting in an operation which left him in a wheelchair.

The popular orator claimed that while he was riding pillion on a motorcycle, a police Pajero had rammed into him, causing the injury. The police have denied this and had submitted the investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Maria added that action on a police corporal during the Bersih rally was insufficient as there was evidence of more personnel involved.

Postings on Facebook and also highlighted in Malaysiakini depicted a policeman wearing a bandana across his face punching a youth while holding handcuffs.

Kuala Lumpur CID chief Ku Chin Wah was quoted as saying that no action will be taken on the errant police officer due to the absence of witnesses, despite a police report having been lodged.

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