Press Statement by Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement (TBH-ADA) on 5 July 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement criticizes Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution for once again perfunctorily explaining the status of the probe into the death of Teoh Beng Hock’, and urges the government to be transparent and explain why the police investigation has not been completed in the past five years.
In response to a parliamentary question posed by Raub MP Chow Yu hui on July 2, Saifuddin said that the police had investigated Teoh Beng Hock’s death in 2018 under Section 342 of the Penal Code (illegal confinement). The Attorney General’s Chamber has now returned the investigation report to the police, requiring the investigator to continue to take statements from several important witnesses.
For five years, we have heard the same parliamentary answer that the police are always “investigating” and the Attorney General’s Chamber is always “returning” the investigation report to the police. The police and the Attorney General’s Chamber have an obligation to publicly explain why they cannot conclude the investigation. The police should also clarify whether the โseveral important witnessesโ include the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers who participated in the interrogation of Teoh Beng Hock.
The police have always handled many cases in a high-profile and transparent manner, including issuing statements on investigation of social activists under the Sedition Act and the Peaceful Assembly Act, and also proposing to charge KK Mart and Xinjianchang Sdn Bhd in the socks controversy. Why are they so secretive about the investigation of Teoh Beng Hockโs death and refuse to disclose any details?
The unity government, from Prime Minister Anwar to Home Minister Saifuddin, has a chilling attitude towards Teoh Beng Hockโs death. This is a 180-degree turn from the Pakatan Rakyatโs active condemnation of the MACC and seeking justice for Teoh Beng Hock fifteen years ago.
We call on the public to actively participate in the walk for justice held from the 13th to the 15th of this month, and accompany Teoh Beng Hockโs family to walk from Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister, demanding that the Prime Minister to reveal the truth, realize justice and implement institutional reforms.
We are also releasing a new Teoh Beng Hock anniversary T-shirt to raise funds for the anniversary event. Those who are interested in participating in the walk of justice or purchasing the T-shirts, please fill in the following link, each piece RM65 includes postage: https://forms.gle/yDwfhfVYP1nj6Haf8
For media enquiries, please contact 0111-0664526. Thank you.
Ng Yap Hwa
Chairperson, Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement
