Beng Hock Trust wants MACC officers suspended, probed for murder

Ten years to the day that political aide Teoh Beng Hock was found dead, a trust formed in his name called for the five MACC officers involved in the case to be investigated for murder or culpable homicide. 

"We demand that the government suspend the five MACC officers, namely (then-Selangor MACC deputy director) Hishamuddin Hashim, (investigating officer) Mohamad Anuar Ismail, (MACC officers) Hairul Ilham Hamzah, Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus and Zulkefly Aziz.

"We also call on the government to investigate and charge the five MACC officers under Section 302 (murder) or 304 (culpable homicide) of the Penal Code. 

"The government should take action against the mastermind of the MACC operation ten years ago in accordance with the law," the Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy said at a press conference today.

Section 302 is punishable by death upon conviction, and Section 302 by up to 30 years' imprisonment and a fine.

Representatives from the TBH Trust for Democracy were at Parliament to hand over a memorandum calling for action against the five officers. 

The group was received at Parliament by Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai and 10 other lawmakers, including Tanjong Malim MP Chang Lih Kang, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching and Lanang MP Alice Lau.

Tan, the DAP chairperson, stressed that his party has been fighting for the truth behind Teoh's death to be revealed.

"Even Attorney-General Thomy Thomas said that because of DAP pushing for it, he met the former inspector-general of police and the former MACC chief in the first days of him reporting for duty," he said.

Tan was also asked if he agreed with the group's call to suspend the five MACC officers and bring their demands to the government.

"Let the investigative agencies to proceed with their work first. We are in support of their demands," he answered.

Meeting with AG, MACC chief

Before the press conference was held, representatives from the TBH Trust for Democracy held discussions with several lawmakers in a meeting room.

Ngeow Chow Ying said that the trust is not only fighting for justice in Teoh's case, but in all cases of custodial deaths.

"I think we really need to take this seriously, as lives are involved. With reforms, we should not stay in place, we really need to move forward," she said.

"It has been a year since Pakatan Harapan came into power, we really need to see some progress."

Ngeow also revealed that the group is due to meet with MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh (left in photo), who represents Teoh's family, said that the deceased's sister Lee Lan will meet the attorney-general this week.

He added that an appointment will be set with inspector-general of police Abdul Hamid Bador the following week.

Ramkarpal also called for the scope of the reopened investigation to be widened, given that the case is only being probed for wrongful confinement.

Teoh was found dead after falling nine floors from the former Selangor headquarters of the MACC in Shah Alam on July 16, 2009.

 -Mkini