Latest news with #CivilLawAct1956
The Star
a day ago
- 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.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NGO: Azam's apology to Teoh family shows compassion
KUALA LUMPUR: The apology tendered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock showed compassion on part of the graft-busters, a non-governmental organisation leader said today. Rapera Movement founder Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos said the apology was an exemplary move by Azam. "The apology tendered by Tan Sri Azam Baki to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock and the additional compensation is a good initiative and compassionate move by the MACC. "Though he doesn't have to do so legally, such a compassionate initiative ought to be followed by other government agencies where relevant," he said in a statement today. Earlier, MACC announced that the commission was prepared to offer a goodwill contribution to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock to support the welfare and educational needs of his child. This follows findings from investigations into Teoh's death, which had spanned the past 16 years. Azam acknowledged the outcomes of previous probes, including the Royal Commission of Inquiry in 2011, the Court of Appeal's ruling in 2014, and the most recent police investigation, which had been classified as "No Further Action" (NFA) by the Attorney-General's Chambers. The commission also acknowledged that, on May 12, 2015, the government had paid RM600,000 in compensation to Teoh's 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.
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
MACC introduces reforms, apologises to Teoh Beng Hock's family
The commission had drawn lessons from the tragic death 16 years ago and remains firmly committed to addressing past failings and restoring public trust. 16 Jul 2025 03:16pm MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki - BERNAMA FILE PIX PUTRAJAYA - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has introduced a series of reforms over the years to better protect the welfare of individuals assisting in its investigations. In a statement today, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission had drawn lessons from the tragic death of Teoh Beng Hock 16 years ago and remains firmly committed to addressing past failings and restoring public trust. "Although recent investigations did not uncover sufficient evidence to charge any individual under the law, the MACC takes seriously the fact that the late Teoh was found dead at the Selangor MACC premises on July 16, 2009. "It was a dark chapter that had a profound impact not only on Teoh's family but also on MACC personnel and the nation. As Chief Commissioner, I wish to express my sympathy and offer my sincerest apologies to the family for the suffering they have endured over the years,' said Azam. Teoh, who served as political secretary to then-Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on July 16, 2009, at Plaza Masalam, after giving a statement at the MACC office on the 14th floor of the building. Bernama FILE PIX Among the improvements introduced are the establishment of Video Interviewing Rooms to record statements from witnesses, detainees and suspects, as well as the setting up of ground-floor interview rooms to ensure easier access and greater transparency. Azam said the number of closed-circuit television cameras at MACC premises has been increased, with high-tech features and strategic placements to monitor and record the movements and conduct of every individual who enters the building. "All MACC buildings are now equipped with iron grilles in line with official safety guidelines. Body-worn cameras are used during every investigation operation to capture activities on the ground and safeguard the integrity of our officers. "We have also adopted the PEACE (Planning, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluation) interview technique, used in the United Kingdom. This method, which prioritises both effectiveness and safety, has been adapted as the MACC PEACE model,' he said. Azam added that the commission acknowledges the findings of multiple investigations into Teoh's death over the past 16 years, including the Royal Commission of Inquiry in 2011, Court of Appeal ruling in 2014, and most recent police investigation, which was classified as No Further Action by the Attorney General's Chambers. He said MACC is also aware that on May 12, 2015, the government paid RM600,000 in compensation to Teoh's 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. "Nonetheless, as a gesture of compassion, MACC is prepared to offer a goodwill contribution to the family, with the amount to be determined later, to support the welfare and education needs of Teoh's child,' he said. Teoh, who served as political secretary to then-Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on July 16, 2009, at Plaza Masalam, after giving a statement at the MACC office on the 14th floor of the building. - BERNAMA More Like This
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
MACC committed to reforms based on findings from Teoh Beng Hock case
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) remains committed to reforms despite insufficient evidence to charge suspects in Teoh Beng Hock's death investigation. Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said in a statement on Wednesday (July 16) said the MACC acknowledges findings from various investigations over the 16 years since Teoh Beng Hock's death. These include the Royal Commission of Inquiry in 2011, the Court of Appeal's decision in 2014, and the most recent police investigation, classified as No Further Action by the Attorney General's Chambers. "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. 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," he said. He added that reforms have been implemented to ensure the welfare of individuals assisting in investigations is safeguarded. These include Video Interviewing Rooms for recording statements, upgraded CCTV systems with strategic placement, and Body Worn Cameras during investigations. "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. "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. Teoh was found dead on July 16, 2009, on the fifth-floor corridor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam after giving a statement at the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office on the 14th floor.
Time Business News
7 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Tenancy Agreement Malaysia: Legal Insights and Stamp Duty Calculation Guide
A tenancy agreement defines the legal relationship between a landlord and a tenant. It outlines important details such as: Names of both parties Description of the rented property Monthly rental and deposit amount Duration of tenancy Rights and responsibilities Termination clauses Renewal options It is essential for both parties to sign the document and keep a copy for reference. There are two main categories of tenancy agreements in Malaysia: Has a defined start and end date (e.g., 2 years) Rent and conditions remain unchanged for the agreed term Ideal for both residential and commercial purposes Automatically renews periodically (e.g., monthly or yearly) More flexible, but may be terminated with notice by either party Understanding the type of tenancy helps determine applicable stamp duty and contractual obligations. Although oral agreements are legally valid, a written tenancy agreement is crucial for: Proving rental terms in court Specifying obligations to avoid misunderstandings Facilitating stamp duty payment Assisting in eviction or legal claims if disputes arise A written contract offers both landlord and tenant a sense of security and formal recognition of the arrangement. A well-drafted tenancy agreement in Malaysia should include the following: Parties Involved : Names and IC/Passport numbers of landlord and tenant : Names and IC/Passport numbers of landlord and tenant Premises Details : Address and description of the property : Address and description of the property Rental Terms : Monthly rent, security deposit (usually two months' rent), utility deposit (half a month's rent), and advance rental (one month) : Monthly rent, security deposit (usually two months' rent), utility deposit (half a month's rent), and advance rental (one month) Tenancy Duration : Start and end date : Start and end date Termination Clause : Conditions for early termination and notice period : Conditions for early termination and notice period Repair and Maintenance : Who is responsible for what : Who is responsible for what Renewal Clause : Whether and how the agreement can be extended : Whether and how the agreement can be extended Use of Property : Residential, commercial, or specific restrictions : Residential, commercial, or specific restrictions Access and Inspection Rights: For landlord to inspect the premises with prior notice There is no specific Tenancy Act in Malaysia, but tenancy agreements are governed under: Contracts Act 1950 National Land Code 1965 Specific Relief Act 1950 (for eviction and recovery) (for eviction and recovery) Civil Law Act 1956 The absence of a dedicated Tenancy Act means that private contracts carry significant legal weight, which emphasizes the importance of clear and precise drafting. Stamp duty is a tax levied on legal documents to make them admissible in court. For tenancy agreements, it must be paid to the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN). Validates the agreement for legal enforcement Required for tenancy disputes in court Avoids penalties for non-stamping Generally, the tenant pays the stamp duty unless agreed otherwise in the contract Stamp duty is calculated based on the monthly rental amount and duration of the tenancy: RM1 for every RM250 of annual rent exceeding RM2,400 RM2 for every RM250 of annual rent exceeding RM2,400 Example Calculation: Monthly rent = RM1,500 Annual rent = RM1,500 x 12 = RM18,000 Annual rent exceeding RM2,400 = RM18,000 – RM2,400 = RM15,600 RM15,600 / RM250 = 62.4 (round up to 63) Stamp duty = 63 x RM1 (if ≤ 3 years) = RM63 Add RM10 for the duplicate copy if needed. Register as a user on Stamp Hasil Submit tenancy agreement details Print and attach the stamp certificate to the agreement Visit the nearest LHDN branch Submit the original agreement and a photocopy Pay the required fee Receive a stamped copy for your records Stamping must be done within 30 days from the date of the agreement to avoid penalties. If the agreement is not stamped within 30 days: Delay of ≤ 3 months: Penalty of RM25 or 5% of duty (whichever is higher) of duty (whichever is higher) Delay of > 3 months: Penalty of RM50 or 10% of duty (whichever is higher) Avoiding delays ensures your tenancy remains legally enforceable. Not stamping the agreement Incorrect stamp duty calculation Missing key clauses in the agreement No clear termination or renewal terms Not stating responsibility for repairs and utilities Lack of inventory checklist for furnished units 'The Tenant shall bear the cost of stamp duty payable on this tenancy agreement, including charges for duplicate copies, if any.' This clause clearly outlines who is responsible and helps avoid misunderstandings. While tenancy agreements can be self-drafted, hiring a lawyer ensures: Proper legal language Tailored clauses for unique property or tenancy needs Risk mitigation Enforcement support in court Legal fees are usually minimal for residential tenancies, but the value of legal expertise can be significant in avoiding future disputes. Q1: Is stamp duty mandatory for all tenancy agreements? Yes. Even short-term agreements (under 12 months) require stamping. Q2: Can a tenancy agreement be renewed without a new stamp duty? Renewals or extensions usually require a fresh agreement or a renewal addendum, both of which need to be stamped. Q3: What if the tenant refuses to pay stamp duty? The landlord can include a clause in the agreement making it a tenant obligation. If unpaid, the agreement is still valid but not admissible in court. Q4: Can I use a template instead of hiring a lawyer? Yes, but make sure it includes all essential clauses. Consider legal review for higher-rent or commercial properties. Understanding your rights and responsibilities under a tenancy agreement is essential whether you're a landlord or a tenant. Properly drafting the document and ensuring that tenancy agreement stamp duty is paid on time safeguards the agreement's legality and enforces both parties' commitments. While you can manage some of these steps yourself, professional legal assistance is recommended for complex cases or high-value properties. Stay informed, stay compliant, and protect your property interests by following this comprehensive guide. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
