The family of an Adelaide woman who disappeared in Penang more than five years ago have been left devastated by the outcome of a coronial inquest into her death, saying there is no justice in Malaysia.
Annapuranee Jenkins — who was also known as Anna — went missing in Penang in December 2017 while on a trip with her husband, Frank Jenkins, to visit her ailing mother.
The 65-year-old caught an Uber to her mother's nursing home but never arrived.
Three years later, through an anonymous tip, Greg Jenkins discovered his own mother's possessions and partial remains buried on a building site.
Mrs Jenkins's family believe she was the victim of a robbery-homicide and hoped that the coroner would recommend a criminal investigation be launched into her case.
In a short statement, Coroner Puan Norsalha Binti Dato' Hamzah told the inquest in Penang on Friday that she was unable to determine the cause of death and found that there was not enough evidence to determine if any crime was committed.
Mr Jenkins, who travelled to Penang for the handing down of findings, said he was "disgusted" by the decision.
"Disgusted by the fact that we have been dragged through the mud for the last year and a half," he said.
"And for her [the coroner] to come in and give us three minutes and to end with an open verdict is absolutely disgusting."
"There is absolutely no justice in Malaysia for mum or anyone, as it seems."
The coroner delivered an open finding, saying that despite all the evidence provided during the inquest, there were no conclusive signs that pointed to how Mrs Jenkins died.
Mr Jenkins said the finding means that the investigation is now over.
"They didn't rule for a re-investigation, which is what we were hoping," he said.
"The open verdict means Mum just died because Mum just died, which is not something we will ever accept."
He said that Royal Malaysia Police failed to properly investigate what happened to his mother and instead laid blame on her.
"It was openly stated during the inquest, the lack of an investigation [from Malaysian police]," Mr Jenkins said.
"So many injustices in this fight for justice."
Malaysian police previously claimed that Mrs Jenkins was on the run from Australian authorities and involved in the drug trade.
The sensational accusations prompted South Australian Police to provide an affidavit, confirming Anna Jenkins had no record of involvement in drug activity in Australia.
"I feel sorry [for] Mum not having the justice, but we will keep fighting for her," Mr Jenkins said.
"The judicial system here in Malaysia is broken … but we will push to the ends of the earth."
"We know that if we stop now, Mum becomes another number and another statistic."
Mr Jenkins said his family would consider their legal options when he returned to Australia.
The Australian high commissioner in Malaysia, Dr Justin Lee, said he was "saddened" for the family but reinforced that the Australian government would continue to provide assistance to the family "for as long as is required".
"We urged for this coronial inquiry to go ahead and for there to be a speedy resolution," Dr Lee said.
"Our next steps, of course, need to be discussed with the family. "
South Australian MLC, Frank Pangello, who travelled to Penang to support the family, said that the coroner's decision was a "disgrace".
"It indicated to me that this whole process has been a farce," Mr Pangello said.
"The lack of evidence that has been provided by police during this inquest is nothing short of inept and shambolic."
"What can one do to get justice in Malaysia?"
The SA Best MLC said that he would push for an inquest to be held in South Australia.
In a statement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide consular support to the family.
"The six years since Mrs Jenkins' disappearance in Malaysia have been immensely painful and distressing for her family, who have shown great resolve during the investigation and coronial process," she said.
"I regret the inquest was not able to provide them with certainty about the circumstances of Mrs Jenkins' death."
Ms Wong said Australia's High Commissioner to Malaysia had attended Friday's verdict, to provide support.
