Three families who lost their sons in a police shoot-out three years ago are suing the police and the government for negligence and breach of statutory duty.
The suit was brought by the families of Mohd Shamil Hafiz Shafie, 15, Mohd Khairul Nizam Tuah, 20, and Mohd Hanafi Omar, 22, who were gunned down in Jalan Kerjaya, Glenmarie, on November 13 after allegedly robbing a petrol station.
Lawyers Latheefa Koya and Eric Paulsen filed the suit on behalf of the three families at the Shah Alam High Court registry today.

They are seeking RM21,000 in special damages, and also general, aggravated, exemplary and malfeasant damages, as well as for interests and costs.
Latheefa said that until today, the police have not offered any explanation or apologised, and added that officers involved in the shooting have also not been charged with murder.

She said the suits were being filed to find out what really transpired.

“One of the victims was in slippers on the day of the incident and was not dressed like a criminal while another was only 15 years old, but was said to have been involved in crime for a few years.

“This does not make sense and the police have lied and there is a cover-up. We urge the police to carry out transparent investigations,” said Latheefa.

Norhafizah Mad Razali, 39, the mother of Muhammad Shamil Hafiz, said she has waited three years and was disappointed the police did not re-look the case.

“I’m sure the police are trying to cover up the real circumstances of my son’s death, they know what really happened to the three boys. I want justice,” she said at the court complex.

Paulsen meanwhile said the suits were the final hope for justice.

He said a memorandum was sent to the Home Ministry calling for the suspension of the police officers involved.

Paulsen repeated the call for the setting up of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, saying it could ensure such incidents do not keep occurring.

“Without it, the police will continue to be trigger-happy and no action will be taken against them.

“By bringing these cases to court, we will get answers from the police the reasons why the victims, who only had 20 sen in their pockets, were shot,” he added. – November 12, 2013.

BY HASBULLAH AWANG CHIK, The Malaysian Insider