KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — Jelutong MP RSN Rayer today criticised the police for opening an investigation against lawyers representing Noorizwan Zulkefly, the 42-year-old who died while in police custody.

Rayer suggested the investigation was a form of intimidation, as he defended their right to share the photos of Noorizwan’s body that his family’s lawyers alleged showed signs of blunt force trauma, including broken ribs and severe head and spinal injuries.

“There were reports that the lawyers who shared the photos of (Noorizwan’s) post-mortem are being investigated.

“This is an infringement and a violation of a counsel’s right to handle any case without fear or favour,” he said at a press conference in Parliament building here.

“I take seriously the police’s statement that the lawyers who shared those photos are being subject to investigation.

“As a lawyer myself, I’d like to state that we are legally empowered to protect the rights of anyone who comes to us for help.”

He urged Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution and the Attorney General to “intervene” as it is an incident that happened “under the Madani government”.

A pathologist’s preliminary findings indicated Noorizwan suffered severe injuries caused by blunt force trauma.

The injuries, according to the family’s lawyers, included six to seven broken ribs, spinal and severe head injuries, bleeding in the brain and intestines, as well as bruising and swelling.

The case prompted Bukit Aman’s Death in Custody Investigation Unit and the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department to start a formal investigation.

Kuala Lumpur police said Noorizwan’s arrest prior to his death followed standard operating procedures and noted that official postmortem and chemistry reports are still pending.

Malaysian police have come under heavy public scrutiny over dozens of cases of deaths in detention over the years, sparking calls for police reform and the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission.

Civil society organisations have persistently pointed out that custodial deaths stem from systemic issues, including physical abuse during interrogation, medical neglect, poor lockup conditions, and inadequate oversight mechanisms.