Suhakam to investigate
Published: Jul 17, 2009 12:01 PM | Updated: Jul 17, 2009 12:07 PM
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will hold an independent investigation into the death of Teoh Beng Hock, revealed its vice-chairperson Simon Sipaun today.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will hold an independent investigation into the death of Teoh Beng Hock, revealed its vice-chairperson Simon Sipaun today.
In a statement, he said if it is deemed appropriate after further investigations, the commission will decide at the next monthly meeting whether a public inquiry should be held.
"Suhakam is deeply concerned and disturbed by the unfortunate death of Teoh," he said, urging MACC and other enforcement agencies to ensure that human rights standards are maintained and practised at all times, including in the course of interrogating witnesses and suspects.
Sipaun also pointed out that since 2003, Suhakam has continuously recommended to the government to sign or accede to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
"Suhakam strongly believes that by doing so, the government will have an effective framework and show of commitment to address problems related to this.
"Suhakam urges the government to seriously consider signing or acceding to the Convention," he said.
Sipaun also revealed that last year, Suhakam recorded two complaints against MACC officers for allegedly using force when conducting investigations.
"The matter has been referred to the police for investigation and Suhakam has yet to receive the development on the two cases from the police," he said.
Teoh, who was working as the political secretary to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hean Wah, is said to have plunged to his death from the Plaza Masalam building in Shah Alam yesterday.
The 30-year-old journalist was last seen at the MACC Selangor office - located on the 14th floor of the building - where he was brought in for questioning over investigations into alleged misappropriation of funds by his boss.
'Extreme shock and concern'
Meanwhile, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) expressed "extreme shock and concern" over Teo's death.
"His death highlights serious questions in the conduct of the investigation and the circumstances of his death," it said in a statement.
"Further, the interrogation relating to several assemblypersons of the current Selangor government while ignoring cases involving the previous state administration, gives the impression of selective investigation and political harassment."
The watchdog said that since the MACC replaced its predecessor, the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), the public perception was that there had been "few or no improvements."
"This tragedy can only tarnish the MACC, that despite its new structure and mandate, it has not discharged its duties in a manner to inspire the public's confidence in its independence
and professionalism."
It said that the case warrants an independent inquiry not just on the death of Teo but also on how the MACC discharges its duties.
In a statement, he said if it is deemed appropriate after further investigations, the commission will decide at the next monthly meeting whether a public inquiry should be held.
"Suhakam is deeply concerned and disturbed by the unfortunate death of Teoh," he said, urging MACC and other enforcement agencies to ensure that human rights standards are maintained and practised at all times, including in the course of interrogating witnesses and suspects.Sipaun also pointed out that since 2003, Suhakam has continuously recommended to the government to sign or accede to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
"Suhakam strongly believes that by doing so, the government will have an effective framework and show of commitment to address problems related to this.
"Suhakam urges the government to seriously consider signing or acceding to the Convention," he said.
Sipaun also revealed that last year, Suhakam recorded two complaints against MACC officers for allegedly using force when conducting investigations.
"The matter has been referred to the police for investigation and Suhakam has yet to receive the development on the two cases from the police," he said.
Teoh, who was working as the political secretary to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hean Wah, is said to have plunged to his death from the Plaza Masalam building in Shah Alam yesterday.
The 30-year-old journalist was last seen at the MACC Selangor office - located on the 14th floor of the building - where he was brought in for questioning over investigations into alleged misappropriation of funds by his boss.
'Extreme shock and concern'
Meanwhile, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) expressed "extreme shock and concern" over Teo's death.
"His death highlights serious questions in the conduct of the investigation and the circumstances of his death," it said in a statement."Further, the interrogation relating to several assemblypersons of the current Selangor government while ignoring cases involving the previous state administration, gives the impression of selective investigation and political harassment."
The watchdog said that since the MACC replaced its predecessor, the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), the public perception was that there had been "few or no improvements."
"This tragedy can only tarnish the MACC, that despite its new structure and mandate, it has not discharged its duties in a manner to inspire the public's confidence in its independence
and professionalism."
It said that the case warrants an independent inquiry not just on the death of Teo but also on how the MACC discharges its duties.
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