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  • Published: 1 February 2022
  • ISBN: 9789814914260
  • Imprint: PRH SEA
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $27.99

A Dead Body Never Lies



Speaking the truth with impartial scientific knowledge, and advocating justice for the silent

Words and actions can mean a thousand things in any mortality case, but only the body can provide the truth to decipher the cause of death. Dr Rohayu, a forensic pathologist, knows she has a duty to the dead and lives by the statement, ‘a dead body never lies’. She has taken the unsaid oath to be the voice of and safeguard the ones who are not able to tell their story. With Malaysia’s diverse melting pot of race, culture, and religion, Dr Rohayu has been through a plethora of extraordinary scenarios. Despite the social stigmas and taboos that come into play, Dr Rohayu is committed to seek justice and provide closure. A food enthusiast with an infectious bubbly demeanor, Dr Rohayu never fails to bring a little flare into her field of work. With the help of her co-author Fatin, they have transformed her work into a compelling piece of art for the world to see and understand.
No doubt in Dr Rohayu and Fatin’s mind, every single person deserves to be heard, the right to love, and freedom to be their true self. With a combination of science and empathy, they have created a unique piece of writing. Step into Dr Rohayu’s shoes as she brings you through these ten cases, which she believes will serve as a beacon of hope to the people who feel their voices are not worthy enough to be heard.

  • Published: 1 February 2022
  • ISBN: 9789814914260
  • Imprint: PRH SEA
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $27.99

About the author

Dr Rohayu Binti Shahar Adnan

Dr Rohayu Binti Shahar Adnan graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, and came back to Malaysia to do her one-year internship at Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. After completion of her internship, she worked in Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang in the Surgical and Forensic Medicine Departments as a medical officer before succeeding to pursue her studies in Forensic Pathology. She enrolled in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM), a 4-year Master of Pathology program. Upon graduating, she went on to do her 6-month specialist gazettement in Hospital Kuala Lumpur. She was then transferred to Johor in 2010 and worked in Hospital Sultan Ismail as a Forensic Pathologist and Head of Forensic Medicine Department. Currently, she is heading the Forensic Medicine Department of Hospital Sungai Buloh. Besides heading her Department, she has been actively involved with medical undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Forensic Medicine in both local and private universities. She also organizes and gives lectures in many seminars and workshops for medical officers, assistant medical officers, nurses, lawyers, students, and secondary school children on Forensic Medicine. She has performed more than 1000 autopsies, supervising more than 3000 autopsies, and has attended almost 100 court cases all over Malaysia. Not to mention, she attended a course training in Forensic Anthropology at the University of Tennessee, USA, and Central Institute of Forensic science Bangkok. Forensic Pathology has always been her passion and it is her dream to share her knowledge of Forensic Medicine to the public.

Praise for A Dead Body Never Lies

“This book will provide you not only with an abundance of knowledge on the workings of the human body, but also in the workings of compassion, empathy, and the beauty of being human. Although the cases discuss about death and dying, the two authors strive to guide us to live better lives. Detailed, informative, and with a touch of humor, you will gain in more ways than you can count.”

Monique Ngo Marriage and family therapist associate and mental health counselor associate.

"As the author declares, forensic pathologists care for the dead by determining and telling the truth about how they died. That truth can be uncomfortable, even damning, and can cut against societal prejudices and taboos. But as Dr. Rohayu and her co-author Fatin show, the stories offered by dead bodies can also be vehicles for honesty, empathy and love.''

John Capouya Author of three non-fiction books, retired professor of writing and journalism, The University of Tampa, former staff of Newsweek, The New York Times, New York Newsday, and SmartMoney magazine.

“They are very interesting stories to read. The way it is written is quite dramatic, and I love it. Can’t stop reading it.”

Dr. Khairul Adli Nikman Forensic Scientist & Chemist, Sungai Buloh Hospital

“Realistic as well as unique writing. The stories capture your heart and mind. Not letting a second to put them down!”

Dr. Nur Atiqah Binti Azman Roslan Forensic Medicine Registrar, Sungai Buloh Hospital

“A brilliant masterpiece, ingenious and original. Engaging true story that makes you realize the nature of life and death. Every body leaves a trace!”

Dr. Nurquin Fasya Binti Shahrir Forensic Medicine Registrar, Sungai Buloh Hospital

“A thrilling but highly informative read which offers an insight into the acroamatic world and daily life of a forensic pathologist.”

Joshua Tay H’ng Foong AmerBON Advocates

“These stories are like a complete diary that tells the overall work and results a forensic pathologist does. The written scientific truth from Dr. Rohayu and the combination of storytelling by her co-author Fatin, would attract the readers of forensic investigators and even the general public. This book gives a rare insight where many are not able to gain from televisions, radio and other media outlets.”

ASP Azizul Hamsar Senior investigating police officer, IPD Kota Tinggi Johor

“I find it very interesting with the medical setting and the working environment of a forensic pathologist as told by both authors. Congratulations and success always to both authors!”

Tan Sri Dato’ Zulkefli Bin Ahmad Makinudin Former Chief Judge of Malaya and former Court of Appeal President.

“After reading the book, it gave me the sense of humble and respect the two authors have for the deceased. There was no judgement, or prejudice in their work. In their words, the victims are only human being, people who once was alive. Dr. Rohayu speaks as though as on behalf of the victims, telling us how these people were unjustly killed. For those who are curious and interested to know more how forensic helps to reveal the truth of dead victims, this book is for you. It was a page turner and I could not get enough of reading the book. It makes me want to know more of what really happened. Kudos to the Dr. Rohayu and Fatin, who both have put forth a good story telling. Fair enough, the bodies never lie.”

Madam Faizah Mohd Razali Executive Safety Officer, MHS Aviation Sdn Bhd

“I love how medical terminology is explained in layman’s terms and I really like the analogies. It helps to put everything together. Just from reading two chapters, I have already learned a ton, especially from the images.”

Jessica Wild IT Infrastructure Services Engineer, Discover Financial Services