DAP political secretary Teoh Beng Hock had “elements of an accomplice”, said a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer in his testimony at the royal commission of inquiry on the former’s cause of death.

MACC Selangor investigations unit head Hairul Ilham Hamzah, in agreeing with Bar Council lawyer Cheow Wee’s suggestion, said this was the reason Teoh was brought in by MACC officers for questioning.

“He (Teoh) was escorted to the MACC office although he was not a suspect. Were there any indications that he could have been an accomplice?” asked Cheow, to which Hairul agreed.

The royal commission is inquiring into Teoh’s death. He was found dead on July 16, 2009 on the fifth floor landing of the Plaza Masalam building which used to house the MACC headquarters on the 14th floor.

Teoh was called in on July 15, 2009 for questioning by the MACC, which was probing his employer Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Ean Yong Hian Wah for alleged misappropriation of state funds.

‘Trained to use psychological tactics’

Prior to this, the MACC officer told the panel that every enforcement officer is required to undergo three or six months basic training upon joining the MACC.

“We are trained to ensure witnesses are comfortable and that they would cooperate willingly,” said Hairul.

Cheow asked on the interview techniques taught and Hairul answered that they use methods to evoke “emotions of sadness or guilt”.

“We are trained to use psychological tactics when interrogating suspects,” he explained.

Cheow then turned his attention on whether such tactics were applied on Teoh. Hairul replied in the negative.

Hairul was then put on a spot when he testified that he did not know if any of his officers used force on Teoh.

Witness contradicts himself

He said that he did not observe Teoh’s interview on the night of July 15, 2009 which was conducted by MACC assistant enforcement officers Arman Alies and Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus.

Cheow: Say if a witness was asked to stand three, four hours in a dark, cold room, is that physical pressure? Can it create emotional stress?

Hairul: Most likely, yes.

Cheow: Did you do it then?

Hairul: With me, no... others, I don’t know,.

Cheow then pointed out that Hairul had earlier rejected the notion that force was used on Teoh.

Hairul: I said rules do not allow force (to be used) (but) I don’t know what happened (inside).

Cheow: So when you said no force was used, it was your own opinion as you were not in the room at all?

Hairul: Yes.

He added he was unaware of interview and interrogations techniques adopted by other two junior officers.

“You don’t know what happens in Selangor MACC? But you are the supervising officer,” said commissioner Dr Bhupinder Singh.

"It's difficult for me to explain. I basically oversee the process," said Hairul.

Commissioner chides MACC officer, again

But his explanation earned a rebuked by Bhupinder who said he should have been more responsible as he led a unit of the MACC since 2008.

“I find it ridiculous that you don’t know anything (about) what happened in your department. You are responsible for everything,” said Bhupinder

However, he reiterated that it was not in his control and he just "oversee the process". He also stressed that no use of force is encouraged by the anti-graft body.

Chief commissioner James Foong told Hairul that as the inquiry is also tasked to improve MACC's procedures, he asked Hairul for his opinion.

"The best way would be to install CCTVs in interview rooms and standing orders should be drafted on interrogation procedures," suggested Hairul.

Hairul also, drew laughter from the gallery, when he suggested that smart phones "like the Blackberry" should be furnished to all investigators so they would be able to detail out their investigation diaries on the spot rather than having to return to the office to use the desktop computers or laptops.

Foong: Don't you already have a daily entry book?

Hairul: Yes, but that is difficult to take around. Even a little notebook like those given to the police, would do

The commissioners has frequently criticised the MACC witnesses testifying of not performing their tasks up to par.

Panel members had also repeatedly grilled the MACC witnesses if they had roughed up or threatened Teoh during the probe.

The royal panel will resume questioning Hairul on Monday.