(Kuala Lumpur) Statement by Teoh Beng Hock Association For Democratic Advancement (TBHADA) dated 26 June 2024
We once dreamed that oppression against human rights will be redressed after the collapse of Barisan Nasional government.
We once hoped for the defeat of politicians who disregarded human life – believing that the Teoh Beng Hock’s case would finally come to light.
We once believed that promises to Teoh’s family would gradually materialise following the change in regime.
Nonetheless, following 2 changes of government, the Pakatan Harapan administration has put aside the human rights agenda, ignored the call for institutional reform and human rights protection measures from civil society over the years. It has also turned a deaf ear to the TBHADA demands for punishment against perpetrators and implementation of transitional justice.
Leaders of Reformasi back then now claim that reform cannot be rushed. Those who once championed “Malaysian Malaysia” now shy away from upholding judicial justice for the wrongfully detained victims.
Civil society has to be the strongest critic, at the time when politicians in power turning their back on promises, betray rakyat who pursuit for democracy and human rights, to force the authority to return to the right track.
TBHADA announces that from 13th to 15th July , “Walk of Justice” will be held, starting from Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, the site of Teoh Beng Hock’s incident and walking nearly 100 kilometers to the Prime Minister’s Office. We call on the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to accept our three major demands:
Seeking the truth: Following the Court of Appeal’s verdict, investigate the suspects of the Teoh Beng Hock’s incident independently and professionally, including those MACC’s officers participating in the probe;
Upholding justice: Prosecute and convict those who violated Teoh Beng Hock’s human rights under the penal law, including section 302 or section 304 of the Penal Code; and
Reforming the institution: Immediately amend laws to prohibit abuse of power by MACC and other law enforcement personnel leading to death in custody, including amendment of section 30 of the MACC Act to limit interrogation time, and enacting an anti-torture law.
We welcome every citizen who care and share the common values to participate in the “Walk of Justice”, completing the hundred-kilometer relay journey. Support from the people is the strongest force in seeking justice for Teoh Beng Hock! The three-day journey will pass through important locations such as the MACC Headquarters, Bukit Aman Police Headquarters and the Attorney General’s Chambers. This is to highlight the failure of our democratic and criminal justice system, leading to the prolonged injustice in Teoh Beng Hock’s case, leaving the perpetrators to remain at large!
Besides, in collaboration with KLSCAH Youth and Eliminating Deaths and Abuse in Custody Together (EDICT), we will organise a memorial ceremony for victims of death in custody at the bridge near the Bar Council on 16th July, at 6 pm. Later at 8 pm, a memorial service commemorating the 15th anniversary of Teoh Beng Hock’s passing will be held in the Tan Sri Ngan Ching Wen Hall. The public is invited to attend both events.
Anyone who is interested in the event may register through the link: https://tinyurl.com/Form-TBH-ADA
For any inquiries, kindly contact 0111-0664526. Thank you.
Ng Yap Hwa
Chairperson
Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement
