Raub MP: Govt must expedite probe into Beng Hock's death

 

Raub MP Chow Yu Hui has urged the government and authorities to expedite the investigation into the death of DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock.

Fourteen years after Beng Hock’s death while under MACC custody, Chow said, there has only been minimal progress to provide justice to the victim's family.

He also questioned the decision of the police to re-investigate Beng Hock's death under Section 342 of the Penal Code for wrongful confinement, instead of Section 302 or 304 of the Act that deals with murder or causing death, respectively.

"It is disconcerting that despite the passing of several years and the government's promises to prioritise the case, there has been minimal progress towards providing justice for Beng Hock and his family.

"The Court of Appeal in 2014 ruled that the death of Beng Hock was a result of an unlawful act or acts of a person unknown, inclusive of MACC officers involved in the arrest and investigation of the deceased.

"The attorney-general must take heed of the Court of Appeal's judgment and instruct the police to investigate the case under a more appropriate section - Section 304 or 302 of the Penal Code," Chow said in a statement yesterday.

Raub MP Chow Yu Hui

His call came after Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed in a parliamentary reply on Monday that police have reopened the probe into Beng Hock's death under Section 342 following a cabinet decision in 2018.

In the reply, Saifuddin said the Attorney-General's Chambers had returned the investigation paper to police investigators on Jan 6 this year, with instruction for the police to record further statements from important witnesses.

Chow, in his statement, added: "It is also concerning that the authorities have relied on Section 342 for wrongful confinement, which attracts a lighter punishment, to investigate the case, raising questions about their commitment to ensuring justice and accountability.

"The lack of progress and clarity regarding the case only deepens the wound for the family and contributes to the public's trust deficit in the authorities."

'Government must act urgently'

He said the government must act urgently on the case and demonstrate its commitment to justice for custodial death cases.

"As an MP, I urge the authorities to expedite the investigation under Section 304 or 302 of the Criminal Code and ensure accountability for those responsible for his untimely and unjust death.

"The government must act urgently to provide justice to Beng Hock’s family and restore public trust in the justice system."

Beng Hock was found dead on July 16, 2009, on the fifth-floor service corridor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam after being questioned overnight at the Selangor MACC headquarters on the 14th floor.

At the time of his death, Beng Hock was a political aide to Selangor state executive councillor and DAP Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Ean Yong Hian Wah.

In 2011, a royal commission of inquiry determined that Beng Hock was driven to commit suicide following aggressive questioning by the MACC.

In 2014, the Court of Appeal unanimously ruled that Beng Hock’s death was caused by the act of ” a person or persons unknown”, including the MACC officers who questioned him overnight before he was found dead. - Mkini