MACC should take measures to hold those responsible for the incident accountable.
Democracy watchdog Bersih has criticised the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) public apology and compensation offer to Teoh Beng Hock’s family, warning it could send the wrong signal to the public.
In a statement, Bersih said this move to settle Teoh’s tragic death appeared to suggest that those in power are shielded from criminal responsibility or legal consequences. Instead, the commission should focus on holding those responsible to account.
Echoing the sentiment of Teoh’s family, Bersih said the apology lacked sincerity.
“MACC chief Azam Baki appears to be deliberately avoiding the key issues: the officers implicated by the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) and the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which stated that Teoh’s death was caused by multiple MACC officers.
“If the government or MACC is sincere in its apology, the first step should be to suspend the officers still in service while they await criminal prosecution.
“Secondly, freeze the pensions of those who have retired and allocate the full amount as solatium for the family or to support the living and educational expenses of Teoh’s child,” the Bersih steering committee said.
Bersih also dismissed the series of procedural reforms introduced by MACC following Teoh’s death in 2009, stating that genuine change would only come when those involved are brought to justice.
“The RCI and the Malaysian Bar revealed long ago that MACC officers were suspected of destroying and tampering with evidence, and colluding on their testimony.
“In short, no matter how advanced the equipment or facilities are, if the culture of impunity within law enforcement agencies remains, those who abuse power will continue to evade justice.
“Such reforms will ultimately be superficial or mere lip service,” the group said.
Yesterday, on the 16th anniversary of Teoh’s death, MACC issued its first public apology to the family for their pain and suffering. Azam also announced the commission’s willingness to provide a goodwill contribution to support Teoh’s only son’s welfare and education.
However, the family swiftly rejected the offer, insisting that they seek justice, not financial compensation.
Teoh, who was aide to then-Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, died in 2009 after being interrogated overnight at the Selangor MACC office in Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam.
In 2011, an RCI concluded that he had been driven to suicide due to aggressive interrogation tactics. In 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled that his death was caused or hastened by unlawful acts, including those of MACC officers.
On 21 November last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered police to complete investigations into Teoh’s death within six months. In May this year, the Attorney-General’s Chambers classified the case as requiring no further action.