Speaking at a press conference, M Visvanathan criticised the lack of progress in the case despite earlier assurances from the authorities.
“I implore the AG to ensure that justice is served for this poor family,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
“Conduct an inquest, give an answer as to how, when, why, and under what circumstances the poor boy died.
“This cannot go on. I can safely say that this case illustrates, indicates, crystallises this point – that there is a total breakdown in the administration of justice in this country.”
Visvanathan said Johor prosecution director Abdul Ghafar Abdul Latif issued a letter dated Nov 17 last year, stating that an inquest had been ordered. However, he said nearly two months had passed without any action.
He added that a notice of motion for an inquest, filed at the Johor Bahru High Court on Oct 29, was rejected by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on Nov 12. The family is appealing the decision at the Court of Appeal.
“It is going to be Jan 17, almost two months, (and) nothing has happened. It seems the AGC is not interested in this case,” he said.
Visvanathan also said there were plans to bring the case to Parliament at the next sitting, urging MPs to address failures in the justice system.
Atif was reported missing from the Mersing Industrial Training Institute on Dec 18, 2022, after calling his father, Abu Bakar Ja’afar, the night before to say that he was unwell and wanted to be picked up from his dormitory.
His body was found in the surau the next morning. A post-mortem revealed traumatic asphyxia and 53 injury marks on his body, leading the family to believe that he was beaten to death.
Despite initial arrests of “nine or 10 people” in connection with Atif’s death, no charges were filed and investigations eventually stalled.
On Sept 15 last year, Abu Bakar lodged a police report seeking answers, only to receive a letter the same day stating that the case would not be investigated further as it involved a non-seizable offence.