Memorial services draw hundreds

An increasing number of people are venting their outrage over the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock who perished under mysterious circumstances after assisting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its investigations on Thursday.
Last night, simultaneous memorial services were held in Penang, Ipoh and Muar, drawing hundreds. More of such events have been planned.

In Seri Kembangan, some 800 people packed a tiny community hall - more than double the previous night - to hear speeches by two DAP leaders and several of Teoh's friends and colleagues.

The larger crowd was attributed to the fact that Teoh was the political secretary to Seri Kembangan state rep Ean Yong Hian Wah and was well-known in the area.

About 80 wreaths lined up the stage and perimeters of the hall, while a constant stream of symphatisers donated to an education fund set up for Teoh's unborn child.

Strange circumstances

Taking the rostrum later, Ean Yong told the crowd that Teoh was his trusted lieutenant who steadfastly took care of the constituency whenever he was away to tend to affairs as state executive councillor.

"Not only must we mourn for Teoh, but we must continue his efforts and show his determination in making this country a better place," he said.

Ean Yong described Teoh's interrogation by MACC as strange because he was questioned into the wee hours or the morning and denied counsel.

"Even hardened criminals are allowed lawyers during questioning, but not Teoh," he lamented.

He suggested that it was impossible for Teoh to have plunged to his death from any where else other than the Selangor MACC office because electronic access cards were required to operate the doors.
He also told the crowd that it was not logical for Teoh, who was to be married on Friday, to stay in the MACC premises after being purportedly released at 3.45am on Thursday.

"Will you be so silly to stay back?" asked Ean Yong, to cries of "No" and "MACC are liars" from the crowd.

Sombre event

According to MACC, Teoh was last seen at around 6am. Kajang councillor Tan Boon Hwa who was probed at the same time, corroborated this account and said he saw Teoh at the pantry around the same time.

Earlier, four of Teoh's former colleagues gave an emotional speech describing how they had once organised a function where the memorial service was held.

"Beng Hock, your sweat and tears are in this hall," said one of the four, driving many to tears.

Approximately RM36,000 was raised during the two hour event and the money would be handed over to Teoh’s family.