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Focus Malaysia
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Madani-loyal DAP taunted for failing ‘to exorcise the ghost' of Teoh Beng Hock after 16 long years
THE Chinese have for centuries believe that the soul of the dead is very unlikely to rest in eternal peace till justice prevails especially if the deceased has met with a gruesome death. In the same account, it is not surprising that the unresolved Teoh Beng Hock saga which has stretched to its 16th year is bound to haunt DAP regardless of yesterday's (July 17) 30-second-long bow in respect of the sorrow endured by family of the late Beng Hock. Former DAP veteran Ronnie Liu has warned that the party risks losing supporters over its perceived failure to ensure that those implicated in Beng Hock's death are brought to justice. To recap, Beng Hock who then served as political aide to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah was found dead on July 16, 2009 while in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) custody. Who then can blame DAP loyalists to perceive the government's so-called goodwill gesture of financial funding to cater to the welfare and educational needs of Beng Hock's son as merely a wayang (opera) to cover up for DAP's inability to push the authorities to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. Or more despicable still, shedding of crocodile tears after DAP having milked the tragedy that befell Beng Hock for its electoral success. Many seemingly disgruntled Pakatan Harapan (PH) backers are also left wondering if the financial contribution-laced apology would eventually mean that those responsible in Beng Hock's death are walking away scot-free. This is considering that the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has accorded a NFA (No Further Action) on investigation into Beng Hock's death which is unacceptable to his family. To cite former DAP stalwart Prof Ramsamy Palanisamy who is today DAP's fiercest critic, there is no significant difference now between DAP and MACC as both appear more interested in doling out monetary compensation to Beng Hock's family than ensuring accountability. 'The MACC's involvement in Teoh's death remains unaddressed yet both entities are offering compensation as though money can overwrite justice,' asserted the former Penang chief minister II who is now the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council chairman. 'This shift is not just disappointing – it's deeply offensive to the Chinese community that once placed unwavering faith in DAP. It is a slap in the face to Beng Hock's family who are now expected to accept money in lieu of truth.' – July 18, 2025 Main image credit: Bernama
The Star
17-07-2025
- The Star
MACC sorry over Beng Hock's death
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has apologised to the family of Teoh Beng Hock and is prepared to provide a goodwill contribution to the family. Its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that the MACC has acknowledged the findings from various investigations carried out over the past 16 years regarding the death of Beng Hock, who was last seen entering the Selangor MACC office in Shah Alam. These include the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) in 2011, the Court of Appeal's decision in 2014 and the most recent investigation by the police, which was classified as No Further Action ( A) by the Attorney General's Chambers, Azam said. 'Although the latest investigation did not uncover sufficient evidence to charge any individual under the law, the MACC views with utmost seriousness the fact that the late Teoh Beng Hock was found deceased in the MACC Selangor premises on July 16 2009,' Azam said in a statement. 'This tragic incident has had a profound impact not only on the deceased's family but also on all MACC personnel and the nation as a whole. 'Nevertheless, as a gesture of compassion, the MACC is prepared to provide a goodwill contribution to the late Teoh's family for the purpose of supporting the welfare and educational needs of his child,' he said. He added that reforms have been implemented to protect the welfare of individuals who are being investigated by the MACC. These include using Video Interviewing Rooms (VIR) to record statements, upgrading and adding CCTV systems with added emphasis on strategic placement and the use of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) during questioning. 'In light of this, I, as the Chief Commissioner of the MACC, wish to express my deepest sympathies and extend an apology to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock for the pain and suffering they have endured over the years.' In a response later in the day, Beng Hock's sister Lee Lan said that the family viewed the apology as a farce because no action has been taken on the officers who were allegedly involved. 'The family feels slighted over the insincerity of the apology by the MACC. They said that they are apologising because they see our pain but they are not surrendering the five officers that we believed were involved. 'This apology is not sincere because there was no further action taken against them. Their offer to donate is also a shameful one to us because we do not want money, we want the truth,' she said in press conference. 'Who killed Beng Hock and who will be held responsible?' Beng Hock was found dead on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam, the morning after he was questioned overnight at the Selangor MACC's office which was on the 14th floor of the same building. A 2014 Court of Appeal verdict ruled that Beng Hock's death was the results of actions of 'one or more unknown persons'.
Malaysiakini
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
MACC sorry over Beng Hock death, but still no accountability
YOURSAY | 'Ensuring that such incidents never happen again requires more than words and gestures.' Beng Hock's death: MACC apologises to family, offers contribution for son Robbie98: To start, you need to review the offence for which the late Teoh Beng Hock (an aide to then-Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah) was called to, the MACC offices that fateful day in 2009. It was over allegations that Ean Yong, then a Selangor exco member, had misused his allocations. A princely sum of a few thousand ringgit in a country where millions routinely go 'missing'. The keyword here is allocation, not stolen money. Teoh died in a secure building with limited access. The coroner and court initially said it was suicide, but this decision was overturned by the appeals court, which also sought to seek the truth with a verdict of death due to 'external' influence. How many people were in contact with him in a secure place at night was the obvious question. The answer we don't know forever tarnishes the credibility of MACC. An apology from MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki is certainly the right start after a long 16 years. We shall give you compensation, get on with your life, and nothing else can be achieved. Sir, this is the wrong answer. What the grieving, courageous family is looking for is justice for their loss, to know who killed Teoh, and for closure of this deplorable saga. This tragedy is a stain forever on the MACC and the political games our 'elites' play. EmEmKay: The formal apology from MACC is a historic development in a tragedy that has haunted Malaysia's conscience for years. However, for Teoh's family - and for many Malaysians - the path to justice is incomplete without decisive action to hold individuals accountable for acts committed under the commission's watch. Ensuring that such incidents never happen again requires more than words and gestures; it demands transparency, reform, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Amadeus: Azam, a mere apology will not bring Teoh back. The murderers should be held accountable for their actions. This isn't a matter of turning the other cheek when being slapped; this was someone's son, brother, husband, and father. Shouldn't the murderers be accountable for their actions? Attorney-General Dusuki Mokthar, what if this happened to your kin? Would you say no further action (NFA)? As for the compensation offered, is that from the murderers or the people's money? MarioT: An apology without taking any action against those responsible for Teoh's death only brings more trauma and pain to the family. Sixteen years of waiting for justice turned out to be a fiasco. The MACC chief commissioner should, in all honesty, ask himself whether he has truly carried out his duties in a fair and just manner by avoiding taking action against those responsible. Would he treat the case in the same manner if it had happened to one of his family members? Coward: Don't take the money. It's not atonement on their party. They just want to pay to shoo you away. Moreover, it is not atonement that you want or need. If you accept the money, then the perception is that you settle the matter with MACC. Your lawyers will tell you that this will have a big impact on any legal pursuit and redress later. TC: Can MACC or the police call up all the MACC officers in court to hear their versions, and let the public see them, their names, and their current positions? It does not mean they are guilty, but why hide themselves if they are not guilty? Will they dare to appear in public? Why are they mysterious, faceless, and nameless? Ringgit: Death in custody, and you just offer your deepest sympathies and extend an apology? Malaysians want justice for Teoh. According to the country's rule of law, no one should be allowed to die in your custody with any form of cover-up or hiding of information. Please instruct your team at MACC to provide the utmost cooperation to the police, arrest the culprit and charge them in court. You are no judge, so do not conclude on behalf of the public. Please do your part! Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may appreciate your work, but most Malaysians don't share his view. Quigonbond: MACC is so tone-deaf. The family have already succeeded in a civil case against MACC. It's hilarious to try to bribe them with a goodwill contribution, which is not even a proper function of MACC. The only thing missing here is criminal accountability. Sun n Moon: Still no closure after 16 years for the family. On a bigger scale, why so much focus and attention all these years just on this case and family? What happens to other unexplained death cases in the custody of other families who have suffered the same fate and agony, but not much attention and investigation is given? BrownMacaw9225: This unfortunate episode has tarnished MACC's reputation. Let us all pray that all the affected parties be magnanimous about the matter and move on. Let it be a lesson to all government agencies that the life of any Malaysian matters and not to abuse their power or authority. May God guide us daily. Blue Lights: This apology has long been overdue in Teoh's case; we can finally see the family getting some closure. The tragedy needs this magnanimous public contrition. Sighhhhhhh: Where does the buck stop? All those who were involved, even those who were not there in person, especially if they are in charge, must take some responsibility. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
MACC sorry over Beng Hock death, but still no accountability
YOURSAY | 'Ensuring that such incidents never happen again requires more than words and gestures.' Beng Hock's death: MACC apologises to family, offers contribution for son Robbie98: To start, you need to review the offence for which the late Teoh Beng Hock (an aide to then-Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah) was called to, the MACC offices that fateful day in 2009. It was over allegations that Ean Yong, then a Selangor exco member, had misused his allocations. A princely sum of a few thousand ringgit in a country where millions routinely go 'missing'. The keyword here is allocation, not stolen money. Teoh died in a secure building with limited access. The coroner and court initially said it was suicide, but this decision was overturned by the appeals court, which also sought to seek the truth with a verdict of death due to 'external' influence. How many people were in contact with him in a secure place at night was the obvious question. The answer we don't know forever tarnishes the credibility of MACC. An apology from MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki is certainly the right start after a long 16 years. We shall give you compensation, get on with your life, and nothing else can be achieved. Sir, this is the wrong answer. What the grieving, courageous family is looking for is justice for their loss, to know who killed Teoh, and for closure of this deplorable saga. This tragedy is a stain forever on the MACC and the political games our 'elites' play. EmEmKay: The formal apology from MACC is a historic development in a tragedy that has haunted Malaysia's conscience for years. However, for Teoh's family - and for many Malaysians - the path to justice is incomplete without decisive action to hold individuals accountable for acts committed under the commission's watch. Ensuring that such incidents never happen again requires more than words and gestures; it demands transparency, reform, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Amadeus: Azam, a mere apology will not bring Teoh back. The murderers should be held accountable for their actions. This isn't a matter of turning the other cheek when being slapped; this was someone's son, brother, husband, and father. Shouldn't the murderers be accountable for their actions? Attorney-General Dusuki Mokthar, what if this happened to your kin? Would you say no further action (NFA)? As for the compensation offered, is that from the murderers or the people's money? MarioT: An apology without taking any action against those responsible for Teoh's death only brings more trauma and pain to the family. Sixteen years of waiting for justice turned out to be a fiasco. The MACC chief commissioner should, in all honesty, ask himself whether he has truly carried out his duties in a fair and just manner by avoiding taking action against those responsible. Would he treat the case in the same manner if it had happened to one of his family members? Coward: Don't take the money. It's not atonement on their party. They just want to pay to shoo you away. Moreover, it is not atonement that you want or need. If you accept the money, then the perception is that you settle the matter with MACC. Your lawyers will tell you that this will have a big impact on any legal pursuit and redress later. TC: Can MACC or the police call up all the MACC officers in court to hear their versions, and let the public see them, their names, and their current positions? It does not mean they are guilty, but why hide themselves if they are not guilty? Will they dare to appear in public? Why are they mysterious, faceless, and nameless? Ringgit: Death in custody, and you just offer your deepest sympathies and extend an apology? Malaysians want justice for Teoh. According to the country's rule of law, no one should be allowed to die in your custody with any form of cover-up or hiding of information. Please instruct your team at MACC to provide the utmost cooperation to the police, arrest the culprit and charge them in court. You are no judge, so do not conclude on behalf of the public. Please do your part! Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may appreciate your work, but most Malaysians don't share his view. Quigonbond: MACC is so tone-deaf. The family have already succeeded in a civil case against MACC. It's hilarious to try to bribe them with a goodwill contribution, which is not even a proper function of MACC. The only thing missing here is criminal accountability. Sun n Moon: Still no closure after 16 years for the family. On a bigger scale, why so much focus and attention all these years just on this case and family? What happens to other unexplained death cases in the custody of other families who have suffered the same fate and agony, but not much attention and investigation is given? BrownMacaw9225: This unfortunate episode has tarnished MACC's reputation. Let us all pray that all the affected parties be magnanimous about the matter and move on. Let it be a lesson to all government agencies that the life of any Malaysian matters and not to abuse their power or authority. May God guide us daily. Blue Lights: This apology has long been overdue in Teoh's case; we can finally see the family getting some closure. The tragedy needs this magnanimous public contrition. Sighhhhhhh: Where does the buck stop? All those who were involved, even those who were not there in person, especially if they are in charge, must take some responsibility. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
MACC's apology insincere, says family of Teoh Beng Hock
PETALING JAYA: The family of Teoh Beng Hock says they do not accept the apology from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) regarding his death. Beng Hock's sister, Lee Lan said the family viewed the apology as insincere because no action has been taken against the officers involved. "The family feels slighted over the insincerity of the apology by the MACC. They said that they are apologising because they see our pain but they are not surrendering the five officers that we believed were involved. This apology is not sincere because there was no further action taken on them. "Their offer for a contribution is also shameful because we do not want money, we want the truth," she said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here on Wednesday (July 16). Earlier, chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said MACC apologised to Beng Hock's family for the ordeal that they went through. "I wish to express my deepest sympathies and extend an apology to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock for the pain and suffering they have endured over the years. "The MACC also acknowledges that, on May 12, 2015, the government paid RM600,000 in compensation to the family along with an additional RM60,000 in legal costs as a full and final settlement under Sections 7 and 8 of the Civil Law Act 1956. "Nevertheless, as a gesture of compassion, the MACC is prepared to provide a goodwill contribution to the late Teoh's family for the purpose of supporting the welfare and educational needs of his child," he said. He added that reforms were being conducted even though insufficient evidence to charge any suspects was found in lieu of the most recent investigation into the death. Teoh Beng Hock was found dead on July 16, 2009, at Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam after giving a statement at the Selangor MACC office.
