Hisham: Safe for Porntip to testify

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will guarantee the safety of Thai pathologist Dr Porntip Rojanasunan to testify at the inquest of Teoh Beng Hock.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said: "We will guarantee the safety of everybody, not only Malaysians but also non-Malaysians and tourists."

Speaking to reporters at the parliament lobby on Monday, April 12, Hishammuddin said he wants Porntip to come forward and furnish the authorities with details for a thorough investigation.

"Let me check on the allegation because at the end of the day, everybody has got his or her rights and there are procedures to be followed. If there is any wrongdoing, it will have to be dealt with according to the procedures that have been set up.

"The issue here concerns one or two agencies, the police, immigration. I have asked for a report and I will be in a better position to inform the public within a day or two," said Hishammuddin.

In George Town, both Gerakan and the DAP have called on the federal government to ensure that Porntip testifies when the inquest resumes on April 20.

Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng expressed regret that Porntip may have been pressured to pull out. He said the government owes the public a full explanation over the allegation.

"I hope the Malaysian government makes strenuous efforts to ensure her of her safety and security, and try to convince her to come to Malaysia to testify at the inquest.

"If they fail to convince her, it will be remembered for a long time and reflect the lack of confidence in our security forces," Lim said at a press conference.

He urged the government to carry out investigations on who was responsible for exerting pressure or interfering with Porntip's testimony.

Penang Gerakan too expressed concern over a news report that Porntip was discouraged from testifying at the inquest.

Dr Thor Teong Gee, the secretary of the publicity, information and communication bureau said in a statement on Monday that the inquest had drawn great attention on the local and international fronts.

"In my opinion, the inquest without the testimonials from Dr Porntip may severely affect public confidence on the decision made by the Coroner's Court," he said.