A SUPPORT group that is fighting for justice for the late Teoh Beng Hock has slammed DAP and Pakatan Harapan (PH) politicians for no longer showing interest in the matter. 

The Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement chairperson Ng Yap Hwa said the support from PH politicians has dwindled over the years.

“This case has been going on for 15 years now. Back then, a lot of the lawmakers from DAP, PH (then Pakatan Rakyat) showed their support.

“Now, we are seeing fewer lawmakers from DAP and PH coming forward for this cause.

“I no longer see DAP MPs fighting for Teoh’s justice. I can see that many have forgotten this case. They don’t seem to be wanting to continue this case anymore,” Ng told The Malaysian Insight. 

The group, which had organised a three-day, 96km-walk to demand justice for Teoh’s family, wants the PH-led government to prosecute those behind Teoh’s death. 

Their walk ended on Monday at Parliament where they were stopped by the police from entering its premises to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The police had intercepted the group – led by Yeoh’s sister Teoh Lee Lan – from entering at about 10am. 

Ng said the only notable lawmaker spotted at the walk for justice was Raub member of Parliament Chow Yu Hui. 

“The others were nowhere to be seen,” the activist said, adding that there were five lawmakers at Parliament to receive the memorandum. 

“Of course the other lawmakers and assemblymen from DAP made some financial contribution for the anniversary memorial but we told them it is not enough. 

“We need a strong political will in the government,” Ng added. 

With DAP being part of the unity government now, Ng said there should be an end to this matter and Teoh and his family should get justice. 

“DAP is now in the government and there should be a will to resolve this issue. Now they have the PH prime minister and PH home minister in the government. Why can’t they do anything?

“They must remember their promise made 15 years ago. As a social movement, we want to remind those politicians that they must keep their promise,” Ng said.

Ng said that all PH politicians should remember Teoh’s sacrifice and contributions.

“Don’t make his death meaningless,” Ng said. 

In 2009, Teoh, who was then an aide to then-Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam, hours after he had arrived for questioning on the 14th floor of the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters.

The 30-year-old Teoh had been summoned by the MACC to assist an investigation into corruption allegations involving Ean Yong.

Following Teoh’s death, In 2011, the coroner ruled that his death was neither suicide nor homicide. 

Three years later, the Court of Appeal set aside an open verdict and ruled that Teoh’s death was caused by multiple injuries as a result of unlawful acts by unknown persons.

In June 2018, the cabinet granted approval for investigations into Teoh’s death to be reopened.

However, four months later, the police said they had not received any instructions from the AGC to do so.

Not forgotten

Raub lawmaker Chow who joined the walk on the second day, said he walked about 10km, from Monash University in Sunway to Old Klang Road. 

“I think attending the walk is more of a personal choice 

“I paid attention to this case and Teoh was my friend. So I think I had to show my solidarity and be with the movement,” Chow told The Malaysian Insight. 

He also said that everyone in DAP was still concerned with getting justice for Teoh.

“I believe all of us are paying attention and are willing to help Teoh’s family to find the truth and get justice,” he said. 

In the memorandum submitted, the group’s demands included amending Section 30 of the MACC Act to limit interrogation time and enacting an anti-torture law. 

The group also demanded that authorities investigate and prosecute the case accordingly, as it was supposed to have been reopened in 2018.

They also want an expert international independent criminal investigator to be appointed to re-conduct the investigation, alleging that they do not have trust in local enforcement agencies. 

On another matter, Teoh’s sister Lee Lan has been reported as saying that Anwar would be meeting with Teoh’s family on August 1.

“The prime minister’s political secretary, Chan Ming Kai, contacted me to arrange a meeting between our family and the prime minister,” she was quoted as saying in Free Malaysia Today.

Anwar had said on social media that he was aware of the incident at the Parliament gates on Monday, and that he would be meeting the family.

The family had been unable to meet the prime minister in the past 18 months he had been in power despite repeated requests. – July 18, 2024.