FAC News - Friday, March 22, 2002 10:09 AM

THE ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO ANWAR’S BEATING

Anwar is refused medical treatment

“My duties are to ensure that the Federal Police Headquarters, Bukit Aman, are guarded, and to ensure its security within and around the Federal Police Headquarters,” said Superintendent Abdul Halim Haji Siraj in his testimony during the Royal Commission of Inquiry hearing called to establish the facts behind the Anwar Ibrahim beating.

“On 21^st September 1998, I visited the cell in Bukit Aman where Dato Seri Anwar was detained.”

“I visited the lockup in the wee hours of the night. I found him to be sleeping. I did not wake him up.”

“At 4.00pm I went to see him again. This time I went in. He was sitting on the concrete slab. I introduced myself as Camp Commandant.”

“I enquired on his wellbeing. He told me he had pain on his body, more severe on the neck and arm. He requested to see a doctor.”

“I told him I would speak to my superior. Normally, I would see the case officer who is involved in the investigation. In this case he is SAC 1 Musa.”

“I went to my office and phoned SAC 1 Musa and told him what Dato Seri Anwar had requested. While in the lockup, Anwar told me that he was concerned about having been assaulted in view of his previous medical history.”

“Anwar requested me to get in touch with Dr Chin Chee Pin at Pantai Medical Centre. The doctor had treated him before for the fall from the horse. I told SAC 1 Musa of this fact also.”

“SAC 1 Musa told me that I could get in touch with Dr Chin and try to get some medicine - if possible, not to bring the doctor just yet.”

“I contacted Dr Chin by phone. Dr Chin said he had to examine Dato Seri Anwar before he could give any medicine because he had treated Dato Seri Anwar two to three years ago.”

“After speaking to Dr Chin, I got back to SAC 1 Musa. He told me to get in touch with the Director of Hospital Kuala Lumpur to get a government doctor.”

“After which I spoke to Dr Lim Kuan Joo. He told me that he had a neuro-surgeon, Dato Dr Selvapragasam. He asked me to get in touch with Dr Selva.”

“I spoke to Dr Selva. He told me he was willing to come anytime. He could come to the hospital if required.”

“I spoke to SAC 1 Musa again about this. SAC 1 Musa told me to hold on first.”

“Half an hour later, SAC 1 Musa called me. He said, at this point of time, we do not require the service of the doctor. I then spoke to Dr Selva and told him that he is not required.”

“On 22^nd September 1998, I again visited the cell about 9.30am. Dato Seri Anwar was there. He asked me what happened to his request. I told him that, at that moment, there was no feedback from my superior. I told him that I would go and see my superior again.”

“I immediately left the cell and I went to see SAC 1 Musa Hassan personally. I told him I had just seen Dato Seri Anwar and he again requested to have a doctor to examine him.”

“SAC 1 Musa told me to hold on first. At that time I saw Dato Ramli, the Deputy Director of CID.”

“Then I saw SAC 1 Musa go into Dato Ramli’s office. I was following. SAC 1 Musa told Dato Ramli that Dato Seri Anwar had made a request.”

“Dato Ramli said, “Nanti dulu” (wait first). I took it that I got to wait for further instructions. Then I went out of the room.”

“I went back to the lockup and informed Dato Seri Anwar that his request was not granted. My understanding of “nanti dulu” is a refusal.”

“I recorded this instruction in my Station Diary.”

“Thereafter, Dato Seri Anwar never requested me to get medical attention again.”

THE ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO ANWAR’S BEATING - previous reports