After receiving a letter from the Criminal Investigation Department stating that the police have decided to take “no further action” in the reopened investigation into Teoh Beng Hock’s case, I feel as though we are still trapped in the era of Barisan Nasional rule.
The same anti-corruption commission (MACC) remains unaccountable. The same police force refuses to investigate the MACC. The same opaque conclusions are drawn. The same murderers walk free.
On 1 August 2024, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the Teoh family to trust the “new police force” and the “new system” under his government.
But what has this so-called new system given the Teoh family? Only continued disappointment.
- The new system still harasses the Teoh family under the guise of recording statements.
- The new system still shields MACC officers responsible for Beng Hock’s death.
- The new system still allows lawbreakers to evade justice.
- The new system still covers up the corruption, abuse of power, human rights violations and injustices of the Barisan Nasional era.
The Teoh family demands an answer from Prime Minister Anwar: Does this country operate under two sets of laws and standards – one for the powerful and another for ordinary people?
When a powerful figure is detained and assaulted (even suffering a black eye), the perpetrators are punished. But when an ordinary person dies in custody after interrogation, the culprits are rewarded with promotions and wealth over 16 years.
If “Malaysia Madani” (Prosperous Malaysia) means perpetuating a system of darkness and oppression, what is the point of political change? Were the vision of reform that Teoh Beng Hock once dreamed of and the promises of justice the Teoh family believed in merely pawns in the game of seizing power?
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During the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration’s first term in June 2018, the cabinet agreed to reopen investigations into Teoh Beng Hock’s case. Similarly, during the meeting with Prime Minister Anwar on 1 August 2024, the same promises were reiterated to our family.
Anwar pledged the following:
- Reopen investigation papers, investigation to be based on the 2014 Court of Appeal ruling
The police would conduct the investigation in accordance with the Court of Appeal’s landmark judgment on 5 September 2014, which concluded that Beng Hock’s death was caused by unlawful acts by one or more unidentified individuals, including MACC officers. This includes invoking Section 302 (murder) of the Penal Code as the foundation for the probe.
- Request for international renowned criminal investigators
The family urged the Anwar administration to engage internationally renowned criminal investigators to assist local authorities. However, the prime minister deferred this proposal, stating it required further discussion with the inspector general of police. To date, no progress has been made on this matter.
- Uphold transparency and accountability in the investigation
The PM assured us that if the family was dissatisfied with the police investigation’s direction or findings, we could request another meeting through our representative lawyer, Ramkarpal Singh to ensure alignment with the government’s commitments and prevent further delays.
- Provide a timely resolution, within one or two years
Anwar guaranteed that the investigation would not drag on indefinitely and promised a conclusive outcome within one or two years to deliver justice for Beng Hock’s family and the Malaysian public.
Current status and grievances
Since 2018, authorities have repeatedly misapplied Section 342 (wrongful confinement) of the Penal Code to investigate Beng Hock’s death, contrary to the Court of Appeal’s directive.
Key MACC officers involved in interrogating Beng Hock have refused to cooperate, and no arrests have been made.
The police prematurely closed the case with a “no further action” conclusion, leaving the family in anguish and frustration.
Appeal to Anwar
We urge the PM to honour his promises. The people of Malaysia placed their hopes in the PH-led unity government for institutional reform and accountability.
Beng Hock’s elderly parents, Teoh Leong Hwee and Teng Shuw Hoi, cannot endure endless delays.
It is time to fulfil the pledge of a “New Malaysia” and ensure justice prevails.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Teoh Lee Lan is the younger sister of the late Teoh Beng Hock.
- 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
