G25 Malaysia stands in solidarity with the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock and all in Malaysia who continue to seek truth and justice following his tragic death in 2009 while in the custody of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Shah Alam.
His passing was a national wake-up call. It sparked outrage and deep concern over custodial abuse, impunity within law enforcement, and the urgent need for systemic reform.
In 2014, the Court of Appeal overturned the coroners’ court’s open verdict and found that Teoh Beng Hock’s death resulted from unlawful acts by an unknown individual or individuals. It ordered further investigation.
Yet, after years of delay, the Attorney General’s Chambers has classified the case as requiring “No further action” (NFA), citing insufficient evidence. This decision effectively ends prospects for prosecution and severely undermines public confidence in the integrity of our justice system.
G25 fully supports the recent statement issued by the Malaysian human rights commission, Suhakam, on 18 June 2025, which calls for transparency, accountability and renewed commitment from the government to pursue justice.
We echo Suhakam’s urgent appeal for the Attorney General’s Chambers and the police to review their “NFA” decision and for those responsible to be held accountable under the law. This renewed call for justice also reflects broader concerns that have persisted for years.
Teoh’s case put the spotlight on the conduct of police interrogations in Malaysia, raising questions on what happens behind closed doors.
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It must be remembered that the use of torture, coercion or inhumane treatment during detention is a serious violation of both fundamental human rights and international legal standards.
Moreover, Article 5 of our Federal Constitution guarantees our right to life and liberty.
At an international level, Malaysia needs to ratify the UN Convention against Torture, which it acceded to in 2015, to solidify its commitment against such abuses.
Malaysia’s continued failure to address Teoh’s case also stands in contrast to our country’s commitments under the sustainable development goals, especially SDG 16, which calls for peace, justice and strong institutions.
We, G25, once again renew our call for the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission. This would be an independent enforcement oversight body with full investigatory and disciplinary authority which can address cases such as Teoh’s.
We call for broader institutional reforms to restore the credibility and public confidence in our enforcement agencies.
Justice delayed is justice denied, and the failure to act decisively after more than 16 years not only prolongs the emotional suffering of Teoh’s family but sets a dangerous precedent for future cases involving custodial deaths and abuse of power.
We, G25, urge the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps, including ratifying core international treaties and establishing strong oversight mechanisms, both to uphold justice in cases like Teoh’s and to strengthen Malaysia’s commitment and standing in the global human rights community.
G25 stands with all in Malaysia in affirming that no one is above the law, and no death in custody should be forgotten or ignored. Teoh Beng Hock deserves justice, his family deserves closure, and we are all owed transparency and the truth. – G25
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
