The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Teoh Beng Hock’s death today was told of two possible questionable methods used by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its interrogation of witnesses and suspects.

Although former Selangor MACC deputy director Hishamuddin Hashim denied both suggestions by Edmund Bon, who appeared for the Bar Council, it may leave speculations as to whether such methods were indeed used.

One method suggested by Bon was the possibility of Teoh being blindfolded and asked to stand at a high place, threatening him with the fear of falling.

The other was asking Teoh to be seated near an open window ledge when soliciting information from him.

To both suggestions, Hishamuddin said, "It is ‘fitnah’ (it is a lie) and ‘tak benar sama sekali’ (completely untrue).”

At one point MACC engaged counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, objected to such questions as was this the official position of the Bar.

However, this was overruled by chief commissioner James Foong, when Bon told him that they were merely assertions based on the case theory.

Hishamuddin also denied playing a role in Teoh's interrogation, when Bon suggested that he had lied in his earlier testimony that he was asleep in his office at that time.

The witness also denied to suggestion that he was present at the office to supervise the operation.

"Normally the director and the deputy director do not get involved in the interrogation of witness," he said.

NONE Bon also suggested that Hishamuddin could have held Teoh's belt and shaken him violently in order to extract information, former deputy director also denied this.

There was an unidentified DNA retrieved from Teoh's belt, resulting in speculation over the identity of the person.

Not called for identification parade

There was also a poser over  Hishamuddin's behaviour that night pointed out by Bon, and the witness agreed he was a careful person.

Showing Hishamuddin his punch card, Bon said the times had been  printed for the days before July 15, 2009, that is July 12, 13, 14, but none for following two days, Hishamuddin agreed he had not  used his punch card on those days.

“You said you left the building at 6.15pm that day and you had the opportunity to punch out before you left. However, you did not do so? Is it because you were in a rush as something had happened?” asked Bon.

 Hishamuddin replied he agreed he could have clocked out but did not, but denied he was in a rush.

He also told the inquiry that he had never been asked by the authorities (police) to present himself at an identification parade throughout his career.

When Bon pointed that he had been called twice before following claims of assault filed against him and two of his officers by two witnesses, he denied it.

 On both the occasions, you did not go because you had an MC (medical leave),” Bon suggested, Hishamuddin disagreed.

“I have never been called to attend an identification parade,” said the former deputy director.

Also testifying today will be Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, who is with lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, employed to represent her.

Chief commissioner Federal Court judge Justice James Foong welcomed Pornthip's attendance despite her busy schedule.

Pornthip, 56, who was spotted with her trademark orange and blond hair, was questioned by Attorney-General’s Chambers representative Amarjeet Singh.