Human rights NGO Suaram has questioned why the family of Cheah Chin Lee, who died in the Tanjung Tokong police station lock-up, is not given the court transcript on the inquest into his death.

“The George Town magistrate’s court needs to revisit its decision to deny the  family’s request for a get a copy of the court transcript on the inquest into the death of Cheah Chin Lee,” Suaram said.

Arrested in August for suspected motorcycle theft, Cheah was found dead in the lock-up of the Tanjung Tokong police station.

The police claimed he committed suicide but the family was not satisfied with the explanation, and this led to the inquest into Cheah’s death.

Suaram also urged the court to allow the Cheah family lawyer to make a submission at the end of the inquest before the court makes a decision.

“The Sept 26 decision of the magistrate’s court in George Town with regard to Cheah’s death is neither reasonable, transparent nor fair to the family.

“The family and the lawyer are able to assist the court to find the real cause of the death of Cheah. It is the right of the family to get the court transcript as it was their family member who died.

“The coroner must be transparent so as not to allow any doubt. In a fair trial, all parties have the right to the full information of the proceedings of the inquest and fair representation, without prejudice.

“What is the problem with the court transcript during the proceedings of the inquest that it cannot be given to the family of the deceased?” asked Suaram.

The magistrate’s court will continue the inquest in George Town on Nov 18 and 19.