Bersih 2.0 : Widow's plea for answers

Wife looking for closure to cabbie-driver husband's death at Saturday's rally

LARGE TURNOUT: The big gathering surrounding the funeral of Baharudin at Lembah Keramat Muslim cemetery — Pic: Sin Chew Daily

THE widow of the sole fatality during the Bersih 2.0 rally last Saturday, Setiawangsa Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Wanita chief Rusni Melan, wants closure on her husband's death but feels confused over varying reports and claims pertaining to the cause of his demise.

Yesterday, she told The Malay Mail she was not buying any of the claims for now until a full post-mortem report is completed.
"Initial post-mortem results stated my husband died because of a heart failure and breathing difficulties. However, I'm still waiting for a full report before judging anything."
Among reports told to her was that her spouse, Baharudin Ahmad, 58, a taxi driver and former PAS member, was assaulted by police during the rally and that he died due to adverse reaction to tear gas fired upon the crowd.
However, some quarters claimed Baharudin encountered breathing difficulties as he was stuck in the crowd.

VIGIL: Rusni (left) in mourning

Some said there was no police involvement in his death and tear gas was not used at the scene.
There were also updates going viral on the Internet that police refused help and that Baharudin could have survived if he was rushed to the hospital.
Rusni said her husband had other health problems such as diabetic and high blood pressure.
Baharudin was reportedly at the KLCC area during the rally when he collapsed in the crowd. His friends contacted the ambulance which rushed him to Hospital Kuala Lumpur where he was declared dead shortly after.
Rusni, who was not at the rally, was only aware of the incident when she got a call from the hospital.
The funeral for Baharudin took place yesterday at 12.55pm at the Lembah Keramat Muslim cemetery in Taman Seri Keramat Tengah.
A funeral procession of over 500 mourners accompanied Baharudin to his final resting place.