The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has called off its open inquiry into the use of ‘live’ bullets during the Sept 8 riot in Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu.

The probe was slated to have been held from today up to Sunday at the Primula Beach Resort, Kuala Terengganu, with about 20 witnesses, including police personnel, lined up to testify.

Panel chairperson Muhammad Shafee Abdullah told a press conference today that the decision was made after the two individuals who were shot were charged for attempting to cause hurt to a police officer at the Sessions Court last Sunday.

Muhammad Shaffee, who is also a prominent lawyer, said the evidence to be adduced in court would cover the firing of a gun and use of ‘live’ bullets.

“Provisions under Section 12(2) and (3) of the Suhakam Act 1999 states that the commission cannot investigate any complaint of human rights violations which have not been settled in court,” said Muhammad Shafee according to Bernama .

Four shots fired

The probe was to have been based on allegations that a policeman fired ‘live’ rounds into a crowd during the incident, injuring two individuals at about 11.40pm near Hotel Permai Inn in Jalan Sultan Mahmud.

During the incident, Muhammad Azman Abdul Aziz, 21, and Suwandi Abdul Ghani, 38, was shot in the chest and neck respectively.

Policeman Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Omar was described as having fired at the duo in self-defence after a mob descended on him.

In October, Suhakam had refused to initiate a probe, but recanted later after public pressure mounted.

At the time, Muhammad Shaffee had told the press that the commission decided to proceed because the police were not investigating the shooting incident.