The mother of missing detainee G Francis Udayappan was informed yesterday that the results of a DNA test conducted using her blood and bone marrow samples from the remains of a body found on May 23 came out negative.

G Sara Lily who was informed of this development by her lawyer N Surendran immediately demanded that the police allow her to conduct an independent DNA test to prove that the decomposed body in the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) is that of her son.

"I don't believe it for one minute. I've seen the body with my own eyes and I'm positive that it's my son. Why are the police doing this to me? They want to drive me insane? I'm not fighting with the police, all I want is my son back. Let me bury him" she said, obviously distraught.

According to Surendran, Bukit Aman deputy CID director Mohd Nawawi Ismail had informed him of the results only yesterday afternoon after his client had given a blood sample on June 18.

"Why was there such a delay for the tests to be completed and why has it taken so long for the police to inform us of the results?" Suren said, echoing Sara's frustrations.

The Malaysian Chemistry Department conducted DNA investigations and delivered a final report which was dated July 2. According to chemist Chang Yuet Meng, the police picked up the report on July 6.

Notice given

Surendran said he has given notice to the Inspector General of Police and UMMC, not to dispose of the body as his client wants to conduct a second DNA test using independent doctors and carry out an independent post mortem to determine the cause of death.

The police and hospital authorities have refused to release the post-mortem report to the mother or her lawyer despite her signed police declaration that it was her son.

Sara has written to the prime minister trying to seek help but has to date yet to receive a reply.

Surendran who on July 6 faxed another letter to the premier asking him to intervene in the case for the sake of justice and public interest, said he too has not received a reply.

"I am disappointed with the PM's attitude in not bothering to respond to our letters. This does not reflect well of his claim of being a people's prime minister." he said.

Francis was arrested by the police on April 14 and held at the Brickfields police station. The police claimed he had escaped two days later jumping into the Klang River.

The family has always maintained that Francis had died while in police custody. They have disputed the police version of his death but a federal police investigation said there was no foul play in the matter.