Death in MAAC custody,a real tragedy

MAAC must reveal the truth to clear its name

The mysterious death of Teoh Beng Hock, at the premises of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) came as a great shock to all Malaysians. It is unbelievable that such a tragic fate should strike him when he was not even a suspect but only assisting the MACC in its probe into allegations of corruption by several Selangor state assemblymen. In fact MAAC top officials have described him as a "a very cooperative, friendly, good and helpful witness."What had caused the tragic death of this young man on the eve of his marriage?

Teoh must not be been as just an opposition member but a citizen who has willingly come forward to assist the MACC in its investigations. His death is a real tragedy and must not be politicized by any parties because of his political affiliation. The police must conduct a thorough and independent investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy. It is an opportunity for the police to proof they can be professional to dispel the suspicion of their neutrality in the recent cases.

The death of the opposition member may be a loss to the Opposition but it dealt a severe blow to the integrity and credibility of the newly established MACC and the confidence of the people in the anti-graft commission. How will ever people come forward to assist in the fight against graft when their safety is not guaranteed even when under the custody of the agency?

The people are terribly shocked and disturbed at the tragic death of Teoh, particularly as it occurred in the premises of the MAAC soon after a marathon session of interrogation with its officers that extended into the wee hours of the morning. What was the need to question the witness all through the night? Did he get his meals and adequate rest? Was he subjected to undue duress while under the custody of MAAC? Why was he still around long after he was supposed to have been released? These are some of the questions to which the people want answers from the MACC.

As the death had occurred in the premises of the MAAC soon after a prolonged interrogation it cannot not shred off its responsibility in the tragedy. The MAAC must reveal the truth of its involvement with Teoh so that the people will not resort to unnecessary and wild rumors for their answers. Only by doing so will it be able to clear its name and protect its integrity and on independence of the institution.

Of late there have been doubts cast on the impartiality of the MAAC. The MAAC seems to be active in pursuing corruption only is sates ruled by the opposition and not in those under the BN which rules more states than the PR. Does it mean that corruption occurs only in the opposition states?

This selective prosecution by the MAAC and the mysterious death of Teoh, a member of the Opposition team, while in its custody gives a negative perception of the agency in the minds of the people who are more mature, well informed and wiser than ever before, thanks to the alternate cyber media.

The opposition, NGOs,BN component parties and even the Umno Youth chief has called for the set up a royal commission to probe the death of Teoh Beng Hock, saying it's the best way to clear the name of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).The majority of the people are also joining in the chorus calling for such a commission to get to the root of the tragedy once and for all. Unless an independent panel absolves the MACC of any wrong doing, no amount of propaganda will help to redeem itself of guilt.

The government must honor its promises to the people for a clean, transparent and democratic administration where the public institutions are truly independent and politically and racially impartial in carrying out its duties. It must heed the people’s call for the setting of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the death of Teoh.

The people have seen enough of cruelty inflicted on our citizens by the police and now the MAAC.Their confidence in the BN government to bring change is diminishing by the day. If the present government cannot protect the people from the abuses of the institutions under their jurisdiction, then the people must seriously consider changing the government to one that can. The people will be compelled to say enough is enough and demand change; not cosmetic change to policies but change of government.


Dr.Chris Anthony