Frustrated at the lack of action, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) in a strongly worded statement today called on the government to stop delaying a probe into circumstances leading to the death of S Isparan while in police custody at the Sungai Siput Utara Police Station last month.

The NGO complained that Isparan's family members have met with the Human Right Commission (Suhakam) and also written to the Attorney-General's Chambers requesting an inquest but all in vain.

According to the post mortem report, Isparan had died from perforated peptic ulcer with peritonitis, a condition related to gastritis.

Isparan, who was a labourer, was arrested on May 27 on suspicion of consuming drugs. Two days later his family was informed of his death.

Suaram's right to justice coordinator R Thevarajan, said in the statement that the deceased had never had gastritis problems prior to his arrest.

What cannot be expected

"To date, Isparan's family members have written to the Attorney-General, the Chief Justice and the Sungai Siput district police chief requesting an explanation for the death of Isparan and urged for an inquest to be held.

"The family members had also delivered a memorandum to Suhakam, pushing for an inquest. However, all parties have yet to respond to the family's request," said Thevarajan.

He noted that the government has been indifferent to cases related to deaths in custody, notably the doubtful death of M Ulaganathan in 2003 when the inquest was held four years later in 2007.

Thevarajan cited an article on a sergeant from the Northern Territory Police in Australia who had apologised to the family for an individual who died in custody in the cell under his supervision.

"Sergeant William McDonnell cried as he told members of Mr Briscoe's family in court that he had breached their trust and failed to protect Briscoe," he said.

He added such remorse is "impossible" to expect from Malaysian police, as there is no "political reform" to ensure that the authorities are held accountable.