Extracted from Malaysiakini

Penan chief's death remains a mystery

Fauwaz Abdul Aziz | Mar 28, 08 6:25pm

Sarawak police are not ruling out the possibility of foul play in the death of anti-logging Penan leader Kelesau Naan since the post-mortem on his remains has failed to yield any conclusive results.

Although there are indications of sudden death, "there are not enough bones" to make a concrete finding, said Marudi district police chief Jonathan Jalin.

This, as well as pressure from activist groups who suspect there was a criminal element in Kelesau’s death, has forced the police to keep its file on the case open, said Marudi district police chief Jonathan Jalin.

"We have gotten the post-mortem report on the bones of Kelesau, and the pathologist cannot confirm whether it was natural death or murder as there were not enough bones to reach a definite conclusion," he added when contacted.

Jalin was earlier reported by wire service AP as saying that the case would remain open because of the widespread attention it has attracted.

Clarifying this today, the police chief said this was to allow any parties or individuals with more information to come forward and shed light on the matter.

"As of now, it has been classified as natural death, but due to the pressure by non-governmental organisations, we are open - if any one has any more clues for us - to act further. The file has not been closed, yet," he said.

No solid evidence

Kelesau’s family members, villagers and activist groups suspected that the Long Kerong village chief’s death was due to his efforts against the encroachment of loggers on Penan ancestral land.

Kelesau had gone missing on Oct 23 after he went to check on an animal trap he had set near Long Kerong.

On Dec 17, villagers discovered Kelesau’s skull and the bones of his thighs, ribs and hands which suddenly surfaced near Sungai Segita.

Noting that some of his bones were broken as if "hit by a sharp object", they pointed out that Kelesau was one of four plaintiffs and a key witness in a major Penan land rights claim that has been awaiting trial since 1998.

However, Jalin said there is yet any solid evidence to show that Kelesau’s death could be related to this case.

"There is still some mystery to his death," he added.

Jalin also said the police would wait another "one to two weeks" before submitting the investigation papers to the Marudi magistrate, who will act as coroner in the event an inquest is held.

"The magistrate will then decide whether to hold an inquest or direct for the case to be closed," he said.