Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo today called on the government to amend the Civil Law Act 1956 to include claims for exemplary damages, for cases in which persons die as a result of injuries suffered while in state custody.

The lawyer said if Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Azalina Othman Said does not advise the government to amend the provisions in the next sitting of Parliament, then he may file a motion for a private member's bill to that effect.

The Federal Court had ruled yesterday that no exemplary damages should be paid out to family members of individuals who die in custody.

Family members of individuals who suffer injuries at the hands of the state while in custody, however, are still eligible for compensation...