The widow of M Ayadurai, who was allegedly beaten to death in Sungai Buloh Prison, has appealed to the women, family and community development ministry to assist her family which is dire straits.

Home-maker M Mageswary, 33, has written through her lawyer to the minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (photo) to seek help in getting a job.

"Our client's family currently lives a miserable existence, in sadness and poverty, subsequent to the tragic loss of the family's sole bread-winner," said her lawyers in the letter dated Dec 9, 2005.

A copy of the letter was made available to malaysiakini by the legal firm.

Mageswari further requested financial assistance to relocate from Jenjarom, Selangor, as well as for a monthly allowance of RM900 to support her and the five children, aged between one and 12. The family shares a house with several other tenants.

Assaulted by cell mates

Ayadurai was remanded under Section 39 (B) of the Dangerous Drugs Act after police allegedly found drugs in a room adjacent to one used by the family.

Mageswari received a call on Nov 28 informing her that her husband had died of multiple injuries to his head and body after being assaulted by cell mates.

Police reports have been lodged at the Sungai Joram police station and the Brickfields district police station in Kuala Lumpur.

Although 13 detainees have been questioned, neither Mageswari nor her family members have been given details by the prison authorities, claimed her lawyers.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia last month agreed to hold an open inquiry into custodial deaths if no other probes are carried out by the authorities.