IS justice blind, or are politicians to blame for the rampant miscarriage of justice?

There was Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28, whose case spanned almost two decades before justice brought her parents reprieve.

Then there is the Teoh Beng Hock case, which has been unresolved for 15 years. Teoh, 30, was the aide to then Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah.

Teoh was detained overnight for questioning at the 14th floor of the Selangor MACC headquarters in Shah Alam and was found dead on the fifth floor of the building.

In July 2011, a royal commission of inquiry ruled his death a suicide.

However, in September 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled Teoh’s death was caused by multiple injuries from a fall, accelerated by “an unlawful act or acts of person or persons unknown” involved in the case.

In May 2015, the government agreed to pay Teoh’s family RM600,000 to settle a civil suit initiated in 2012 for negligence resulting in his death.

In January 2023, Teoh’s parents filed for a judicial review to compel the police to complete investigations into his death.

Fifteen years later, Teoh’s family continues to suffer, knowing their son’s killer or killers remain free.

The family wants Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to bring closure to their anguish.

Strangely, Anwar, himself a victim of gross injustice, has struggled to make time to meet Teoh’s family, finally scheduling a meeting for August 1.

False promises

Teoh’s grieving family had to resort to a “Search for Missing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim” on May 5 in Kuala Kubu Baru after repeated futile efforts to meet Anwar since he took office as prime minister on November 24, 2022.

Must the people beg their prime minister to address their woes? Is this how democracy and the rule of law function in Malaysia?

Anwar’s promise to meet Teoh’s family is no happy ending. Will he leave them with false promises?

Anwar quickly addressed the rumour of a casino in Johor’s Forest City. Why has he not shown the same zeal for justice in Teoh’s case?

Teoh’s family has struggled to get Anwar’s attention. This is not how a politician honours their word once in power.

Teoh’s family has literally walked miles for justice. His sister, Lee Lan, members of the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement, and other supporters undertook a three-day, 96km walk for justice.

Their walk culminated on July 15, intending to submit a memorandum to lawmakers in Parliament, but they were denied entry.

Anwar posted on social media that he was aware of the incident and assured Teoh’s family he would see them soon to review their memorandum.

The memorandum includes amending Section 30 of the MACC Act to limit interrogation time and implementing an anti-torture law. The association also wants a thorough and transparent investigation into Teoh’s death.

It is eerie when history repeats itself. Anwar, having witnessed much suffering during his years of detention, should empathise with Teoh’s family. His indifference would be a humiliation of the worst kind from a leader preaching compassion. – 26 July 2024.