Ramkarpal Singh said the autopsy report would help determine how Kim Shih Keat died on June 28.

“If we cannot establish the cause of death, then an inquest should be held,” Ramkarpal, who is also the Bukit Gelugor MP, said at a press conference.

Also present were Kim’s family, representatives from human rights NGO Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) as well as Klang MP Charles Santiago and Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto.

Ramkarpal said he had written to the coroner in Johor two days ago for an update on whether an inquest would be held.

However, he has yet to receive any reply.

“We would like for an inquest to be held as soon as possible as he died under suspicious circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Santiago said custodial deaths should not be treated lightly, pointing out that up to July, 18 such deaths had been recorded.

“This means two people die every month and there have been no updates on the probe into their deaths.”

Kim was sentenced to jail for a week and fined RM15,000 for a drink-driving offence in September last year.

His family was told that he had died in hospital after being found unconscious in Kluang Prison hours before his release.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said it had launched an investigation into Kim’s death.

It recorded statements from Kim’s family, his cellmates and prison officers on Tuesday, Suhakam said in a statement today.

It also stressed that all death-in-custody cases should be investigated through an inquest.