South Australian lawmaker moots new inquest on Anna Jenkins death

A South Australian legislator has dismissed an open verdict delivered yesterday by an inquest held in Penang into the death and disappearance of Annapuranee Jenkins, a Malaysian-born Adelaide resident.

Online portal Free Malaysia Today reported that a member of South Australia’s Legislative Council, Frank Pangallo, said he will push for another inquest in the state to determine the cause of Jenkin’s death.

“This whole inquest (in Penang) has been a farce.

“And I think it’s only been played out to try and appease the pressure that has come from Australia, and from human rights activists in this country and elsewhere,” Pangallo was quoted as saying.

Pangallo reportedly said a South Australian coroner can conduct an inquest into the death of any South Australian “anywhere in the world” and that their coroner was awaiting the outcome of the inquest in Penang.

The remains of Anna (above), as she is known to family and friends, were found on June 14 and 15, 2020, more than three years after a missing person’s report was lodged on Dec 5, 2017.

Her remains were found at a construction site within the compound of the Penang Turf Club along Batu Gantung by a construction worker.

According to FMT, Pangallo said he would urge the South Australian coroner to seriously consider opening a new inquest.

“They will be able to determine what led to the death based on evidence that has been collected by her son and evidence that was presented to the Malaysian coroner but was not taken into account,” he was quoted as saying.

To do so, he said a request must be made for Malaysian authorities to hand over evidence and documents to the South Australian coroner.

On Aug 12, 2020, a team of forensic experts consisting of one assistant superintendent of police (ASP), four inspectors, four sergeants, and one corporal, conducted a search and found bone fragments.

On January 13, 2021, 154 days after the first search, the forensic team did another search and found more bone fragments.

A death certificate was then issued for Anna without the actual cause of death identified.

‘Reimburse Jenkin’s family’

In an interview with Malaysiakini last year, Jenkin’s son, Gregory Steven Jenkins, claimed he had to carry out his own investigation into the matter despite the case having had 11 investigating officers (IOs) over four years.

As such, Pangallo said he would also propose that the South Australian parliament reimburses Jenkin’s family for over A$300,000 (RM891,335) spent personally investigating the case in Penang and the costs to attend the inquest for over six years.

“Let’s not forget Anna’s son, Greg, investigated the whole case. It was his hard work,” he said.

He added that he would also request a South Australian government contribution to the costs of any appeal or judicial review of the Penang coroner’s findings, as well as for the South Australian parliament to ask Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to intervene.

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