PM Contacts IGP, Orders Transparent and Thorough Investigation into Death of Detainee at Cheras Police Lock-Up

KAJANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has contacted Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail regarding the death of Noorizwan Zulkefly while in custody at the Cheras District Police Headquarters (IPD).

In a Facebook post today, Anwar said he was aware that the late Noorizwan’s family members had visited his residence to submit an appeal letter.

“I acknowledge the presence of the late Noorizwan Zulkefly’s family members to submit an appeal letter to me today. I am deeply saddened by his passing and understand the grief and anxiety of his family, who are still awaiting answers.

“I am scheduled to attend several programmes in Melaka today and have assigned my officer to receive the letter and personally listen to the concerns raised by the family.

“I have also contacted the Inspector-General of Police to obtain further information regarding the case,” he said in the post, published several hours after Noorizwan’s family submitted the appeal letter.

In the same post, the Prime Minister stressed that a transparent and comprehensive investigation must be conducted without compromise and directed that the family be kept informed of developments in the investigation.

Meanwhile, the appeal letter was personally delivered by Noorizwan’s younger sister, Nooranis Zulkefly, 34, accompanied by lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, at Anwar’s private residence in Sungai Long here today.

In the letter, Nooranis expressed her disappointment over the police’s handling of her brother’s case, including the lack of action against those responsible for his death.

“I understand that every investigation requires evidence and due legal process. However, this situation raises serious questions for our family.

“What is the difference between an ordinary citizen and a police officer when it comes to the law? If an ordinary citizen is suspected of committing a serious crime and there is sufficient evidence, the police can make an arrest in accordance with the law,” she wrote in the appeal letter.

She said her family wanted nothing more than justice for her late brother and questioned an official statement issued by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which stated that there were no injuries to his internal organs.

According to her, the family, including representatives of PDRM, had attended a briefing by forensic specialists at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), where they were informed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma.

“Today marks the 24th day since my brother died in police custody, and until today, no arrests have been made against those responsible.

“That is why I came to the Prime Minister’s house today — to deliver a letter that I personally wrote and typed from the bottom of my heart, asking PMX to give his attention to this case,” she said.

Nooranis also alleged that the police were attempting to conceal the truth despite the post-mortem findings having been disclosed to the family.

“The doctor personally explained that my brother suffered severe bleeding, including serious bleeding in his intestines, and sustained numerous internal injuries.

“Yet, the police statement this morning said there were no internal injuries. So all Malaysians can see and witness what the police are doing.

“That is why we came here today. As a Malaysian citizen, I have the right to come to PMX’s residence. I had the courage to come today to submit a memorandum for PMX to see and read for himself,” she said.

The letter was handed over to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) representative Khairil Hilmi Mokhtar at the entrance to the Prime Minister’s private residence.

Berita Harian