SUARAM: Full investigation must be conducted into the death of Teo Beng Hock

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) calls for a full investigation into the death of Teo Beng Hock, the political secretary of Selangor exco Ean Yong Hian Wah at the building beside the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Selangor headquarters in Shah Alam.

Yesterday, 15 July 2009, Teo was taken to the MACC headquarters for questioning in relation to a probe concerning several Pakatan assemblypersons. According to MACC investigation division director Shukri Abdul in a press conference, Teo was in the MACC building after he was released at 3.45am and before his body was found at around 1.30pm today.

It is indeed suspicious that Teo stayed on at the MACC building after he had been released, as claimed by the MACC. According to a Malaysiakini news report, Ean Yong had failed to reach Teo through his mobile phone today, fuelling doubts over the MACC’s claim that they had released him at 3.45am. We therefore urge the MACC to immediately provide concrete evidences that they had indeed released Teo from custody. The MACC should be held responsible for Teo’s death until they do so.

In view of the high number of cases of deaths relating to persons under the custody of law enforcement bodies, SUARAM demands that the government immediately implements the recommendation by the Parliamentary Select Committee on The Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to enact a Coroner’s Act in Malaysia and establish a Coroner’s Court to investigate all cases of sudden deaths in custody.

Lastly, SUARAM would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Teo Beng Hock. We call for a full, thorough and independent investigation on Teo’s death and for those responsible to be brought to justice.


Tah Moon Hui
Coordinator
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
16th July 2009