The coroner in the Teoh Beng Hock's inquest has rejected his family's application to initiate contempt proceedings against Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas in his decision that the remark made by Nazri was “his own opinion”.

azlan "He is entitled to make that opinion," said Azmil.

The judge said that it was not acceptable for Nazri to accuse Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, who is an expert witness, of lying.

However, he was quick to add that there was no evidence to show that Nazri harboured any ill-intentions to interfere with the court proceedings.

Azmil added that it was a person’s right to make comments in Parliament or to the press, and they should not be punished for it.

"Pornthip is entitled to express her opinion too and it is for court to

decide whether to accept or not accept her opinion."

Pornthip a 'liar'

Today's ruling follows Nazri's comments, which was reported in Malaysiakini last month, where he called Selangor-hired pathologist Pornthip, “a liar” over her explanation on why she could not be in Kuala Lumpur to resume testifying in the inquest.

Pornthip, had cited pressure being placed by the Malaysian government and also the Thai Justice Ministry's concern over her personal security if she was to come to Malaysia.

Nazri, who is the de facto law minister had also issued a challenge at the Parliament lobby for fellow MP and lawyer for Teoh’s family  Karpal Singh to cite him for contempt and even bring the matter to World Court.

Karpal in his submission over the application had called Nazri ‘kurang ajar’ (ill bred) over his remarks as it was an interference in the administration of justice.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers, represented by senior federal counsel Amarjeet Singh, had entered as an intervener at the eleventh hour.

He told the coroner it was not Nazri who had committed contempt, but Malaysiakini which was interfering in the administration of justice for reporting on the matter.

Yesterday, the Selangor government has been asked to make a formal application for Pornthip's testimony be done via video link after it was confirmed she would not come to testify.

Teoh's sister upset

Teoh’s younger sister Lee Lan, 29, who was in court, was visibly upset by the decision.

NONE "If he is only an ordinary person, he will have no influence, but he is a minister of the PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) and he is able to get the AG’s Chambers to represent him. How can we believe there is justice in our judiciary?"

Lee Lan also expressed her disappointment at the prime minister for not responding to the family’s demand that a letter on Pornthip’s safety be issued so that the Thai pathologist could come to testify.

"I don’t understand, is this too much too ask?"

She also criticised the premier for his silence on Nazri’s statement against Pornthip.

"Does it mean that the PM agrees with Nazri?” she choked, with tears welling up in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Karpal said he would file for a review at the Shah Alam High Court over the coroner's decision not to institute contempt proceedings against Nazri.

"I will need to get the grounds of the decision first," he said.

"With respect, I do not agree that this is just a remark. If anyone

can pass such remarks, what more a minister, in accusing a witness had lied as this would bring the on-going proceedings in disrepute. I will make the necessary application to file for a review," he said.