Criminal charges needed for misconduct, apologies and compensation are inadequate
The Bersih steering committee said criminal charges must be pursued, failing which it would risk sending the wrong message to the public.
Bersih was responding to the apology issued by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Azam Baki on the 16th anniversary of Teoh Beng Hock's death yesterday.
Azam also said MACC was prepared to offer a goodwill contribution to the family to support the welfare and educational needs of Teoh's son.
The MACC chief commissioner said Teoh's death had led the commission to introduce a series of reforms aimed at safeguarding individuals involved in its investigation.
In an immediate response Teoh's family rejected the apology, saying it was insincere.
"As long as the culture of impunity within law enforcement agencies is not eradicated, those who abuse their power will continue to find ways to evade justice, and reforms will ultimately be cosmetic or nothing more than empty talk," Bersih said in its statement, adding that even after Teoh's case, deaths in custody have increased.
Bersih reiterated its call for the government to respond positively to the Teoh family's demands and review the decision of No Further Action (NFA).
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