KUALA LUMPUR  - The body of Teoh Beng Hock has been exhumed and sent to the Sungai Buloh hospital where a second autopsy will be performed tomorrow at 9.30 am.

The exhumation was ordered by the inquest into his death. The order follows the testimony of Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand that the death of the political aide was likely a homicide rather than suicide.

A team of police forensic experts had earlier cordoned off the grave. Several cemetery workers helped with the exhumation.

Teoh's family members had arrived and began offering rites to the departed's spirit before the exhumation.

Dr Pornthip was at the scene to observe the procedure.

Good condition

The casket was opened at about 10.00 am and Dr Pornthip said that the body was in good condition. The remains were then taken to a waiting hearse and sent to the Sungai Buloh hospital.

According the Teoh family lawyer, Gobind Singh Deo, who was present, Teoh's body will be X-rayed and CAT scanned before a second autopsy is done tomorrow morning at the hospital.

Also present were Teoh' former boss Ean Yong, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang and DAP's Ronnie Liu.

Not many believe it was suicide

Ean Yong told the 40-odd reporters present that "it was not necessary to hire another pathologist from the UK. The cost of hiring him will have to be paid by the tax payers. Why hire a foreigner when local pathologists will do?

"Most Malaysians do not believe it is a sucide.They think that there is foul play."

Lim said that the process will help get to the truth behind the Teoh's death. "The exhumation is necessary to bring those responsible to book.The parents consented to this with a heavy heart."

Ronnie Liu said "the State government is thankful for all the cooperation given by the various parties in this matter. We cannot afford another Teoh Beng Hock incident."

No MACC reps

Gobind Singh later told reporters that he regreted there were no representatives from the MACC.

"The MACC should have a rep here so that there will not be any issues later. Dr Pornthip is here to oversee the process and to ensure that everything is done properly.. She will also oversee the autopsy tomorrow."