The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today said it would conduct the final part of its public inquiry regarding the Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) fracas between Aug 27 and 29.

cheras mahkota fru assault on car sequence 280508 Suhakam's complaints and inquiry division head Nurul Hasanah Ahamed told Malaysiakini that five more police witnesses will testify.

The witnesses are constables Mohd Azniey Ahmad Supian and Muhammad Firdaus Rasid as well as lance-corporals Aziri Mohamed, Gilbert Chua Chian Siong and Sharill Ismail.

Previously, the inquiry heard testimonies from 17 witnesses during a three-day session from July 23 to July 25.

Among those who testified was 23-year-old mechanic Chang Jiun Haur who claimed that he was assaulted for no reason by Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) and other police personnel that night.

The situation had become tensed when residents tore down portions of a disputed barricade erected by highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd. The police were there to restore order but have been accused of using excessive force.

The barricade had forced residents to use a longer route as well as pay toll. The federal government has since instructed for the barricade to be removed until a court hearing on the matter ends.

The three-member Suhakam panel is looking specifically into the case of Chang’s alleged assault by police personnel. The panel is headed by commissioner Zaitoon Othman, and includes commissioners Dr Chiam Heng Keng and Khalid Ibrahim.

The inquiry will be conducted at the Suhakam headquarters in Menara Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur.

Among those who had testified previously were Malaysiakini journalists Syed Jamal Zahiid and Lee Weng Keat and videographer Ng Kok Foong.

The panel's three-point terms of reference are:

a) To inquire whether or not any law enforcement personnel, in performance of their duty to maintain law and order, had used excessive force during the incident;

b) If there was excessive use of force, whether there was any violation of human rights of any person or persons and, who were responsible for such violations, and

c) To recommend what action to be taken against those responsible for the violation of human rights.