The Shah Alam Coroner's Court today granted leave to the family of the late firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim to commence contempt proceedings against Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.

This is over Thomas' instruction to the Housing and Local Government Ministry in May to drop private lawyer Syazlin Mansor as its counsel in the inquest into Adib's death.

According to Sinar Harian, Coroner Rofiah Mohamad found that Adib't family had proven a prima facie case.

Thomas had said the Attorney-General's Chambers had no objection for Syazlin (photo) to represent Adib's family but claimed her dual role in also representing the ministry was a conflict of interest.

He added that by convention, the ministry should be represented by an officer of the AG's Chambers.

However, the move, three months after the inquest commenced, gave rise to the perception of interference.

Syazlin has withdrawn as the ministry's lawyer but is still representing Adib's family.

Adib, who was on duty as a Fire and Rescue Department personnel during the Seafield temple riots in Subang Jaya on November 26 last year, sustained severe injuries during the incident.

He succumbed to his injuries on Dec 17 last year.

The five-month-long inquest was held to determine whether Adib was assaulted or hit by a Fire and Rescue Department vehicle when it reversed to avoid an advancing mob.

The Coroner's Court is set to deliver its verdict on Sept 27.