CORONER Rofiah Mohamad will decide if there is a need to call a third pathologist in the inquest into the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim or bring proceedings to a close next week.

“I will decide on Wednesday, if the inquest will be closed or if there is a need for a new witness (third pathologist),” she said at the Shah Alam High Court today.

The inquest began in February and, to date, 30 witnesses have given evidence.

Rofiah said she reserves the right to call a new witness, an independent forensic pathologist, to weigh in on the contradictory findings of consultant pathologist Dr Shahrom Abd Wahid and Hospital Kuala Lumpur forensic expert Dr Ahmad Hafizam Hasmi. 

Dr Shahrom had testified that the impact from the edge of the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) door was not sufficient to cause injuries to Adib, suggesting that the fireman was dragged out of the vehicle and attacked by a mob.

Dr Hafizam, however, had told the Coroner’s Court that the injuries Adib suffered was “most probably” caused by the impact of being hit by the door of the EMRS. 

He had also dismissed Dr Shahrom’s testimony that Adib could have been pulled out from the EMRS van. 

He said that if Adib was pulled out, there would be defensive marks on him. 

Conducting officer Faten Hadni said if the court decides to get a third pathologist, then the deputy public prosecutor is going to suggest that the opinions of Dr Shahrom and Dr Ahmad be referred to the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). 

“We believe that the MMC will then convene a committee to study the testimonies of both the forensic pathologists. 

“The panel might then suggest whether there is a need for another pathologist to testify.”

Rofiah also said the court will hear the ex parte application that was filed by Adib’s family lawyers against the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) citing contempt of court.

Family lawyer Mohd Zubir Embong said an affidavit filed by AGC in April contained premature presumptions about Adib’s case.

Adib was Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue EMRS personnel who had sustained injuries while on duty during a riot at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ25, Subang Jaya on November 27 last year. He succumbed to his injuries at the National Heart Institute on December 17. – July 17, 2019.