Teoh Beng Hock’s sister urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to press Malaysia for an independent probe into the ex-political aide’s death, underscoring persistent concerns over custodial deaths in the country.
Speaking in Geneva, Switzerland, Lee Lan said: “I have travelled thousands of miles to bring this demand for justice before you. I ask you to press for accountability.”
She told delegates that 17 years after Beng Hock died in MACC custody, no one has been held accountable despite the Court of Appeal ruling in 2014 that his death was caused by “unlawful acts by unknown persons”.
“My brother’s case is not isolated. Torture and deaths in custody remain serious concerns in Malaysia. Hundreds have died...
“I urge Malaysia to reopen my brother’s case through an independent criminal investigation in accordance with international standards,” she said.
Lee Lan added that the Malaysian government must allow UN Special Procedures, including the special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions, to conduct long-pending visits to the country.
“I urge this council to raise deaths in custody, including this case (Beng Hock’s death), in your engagement with Malaysia,” she emphasised.
Lee Lan and her delegation are also scheduled to meet UN human rights officials, diplomats, and international organisations to discuss the case, as well as broader concerns over custodial deaths and detention practices in Malaysia.
RCI, court ruling, and NFA
In 2009, Beng Hock - then an aide to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah - was found dead after overnight questioning at the Selangor MACC office, then based at Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam.
A 2011 royal commission of inquiry concluded he had been driven to suicide by aggressive interrogation.
However, the Court of Appeal ruled in 2014 that his death was caused or accelerated by unlawful acts, including those of MACC officers.
On Nov 21, 2024, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered police to complete investigations into his death within six months.
In May last year, the Attorney-General’s Chambers classified the case as no further action. - Mkini
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