Teoh Beng Hock march: Brief altercation erupts between group, cops
A brief altercation broke out during the final leg of the Walk of Justice organised by the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement (TBH-ADA) before the group could even reach the Parliament gates this morning.
As the group, led by Beng Hock’s sister Teoh Lee Lan, was walking towards Parliament, they were intercepted by police officers who had formed a human barrier about 100m before the gates at about 10am.
A run-in ensued...
UPDATED 5.10PM | Added details of the incident, Anwar’s response and Rayer’s statement in Parliament.
A brief altercation broke out during the final leg of the Walk of Justice organised by the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement (TBH-ADA) before the group could even reach the Parliament gates this morning.
Police had intercepted the group led by Beng Hock’s sister Teoh Lee Lan, with a human barrier formation 100m from the gates at about 10am.
A run-in ensued as the group insisted on submitting their memorandum at the gates of Parliament, which was in session.
Lee Lan was seen crying and shouting, while other members of the group tried to breach the barrier.
Police were also seen tearing up some of the posters the group were carrying.
A photo frame of Beng Hock was also damaged in the process.
"Why can't the Teoh family enter Parliament to submit a memorandum? Why was it allowed on the fifth anniversary but not now?" Lee Lan asked, pointing to the time of the Najib Abdul Razak administration.
Following this, participants started shouting as well, saying "We want to enter Parliament" and "Make way (buka jalan)".
Police then relented and told the group that they would seek permission from the government on their request.
At 11.20am, the government agreed to the group’s request with the speaker's office sending its special officer Abdulhadi Khalid to receive the memorandum.
MPs show support
Soon after, several government MPs including Chow Yu Hui (Raub), RSN Rayer (Jelutong), Khoo Poay Tiong (Kota Melaka), Tan Hong Ping (Bakri) and Tan Kar Hing (Gopeng) showed up to lend their support.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching also arrived later to meet the group.
The group reached the Parliament gate to deliver the memorandum, together with the lawmakers.
In a speech, Chow promised that DAP would continue to seek justice for the Teoh family.
However, activist Siti Kasim, who was also present, did not mince her words and lashed out at the government.
“These people were elected by the people but now they are refusing to listen to voters,” she said.
Where is Anwar?
At a press conference later, TBH-ADA chairperson Ng Yap Hwa said their three-day Walk for Justice was to deliver the memorandum to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who had been elusive to their demand.
He pointed out that while Anwar had staged reformasi street protests in the past, now that he is prime minister, he is unwilling to receive the group.
“He has refused to meet us since the change of government in November 2022. We have been trying to engage him for 18 months including (Home Minister) Saifuddin (Nasution Ismail) but they just ignored us,” Ng added.
Still emotional over the earlier ordeal, Lee Lan said she was confused about why Anwar refused to meet them.
She emphasised that Anwar had even attended Beng Hock's funeral but has since been indifferent towards their family.
“I want the DAP MPs, assemblypersons and ministers to answer us in front of my brother’s grave on July 21 (death anniversary) instead of avoiding the topic,” Lee Lan said.
In a posting on X, Anwar said he was aware of the incident.
"I assure that I will meet with them soon and review their memorandum."
Ease process for groups
In the Dewan Rakyat, Rayer urged the government to be courteous when dealing with groups submitting memorandums such as the Teoh family.
He also called on the government to expedite not only demands by Teoh's family members, but also other past cases of alleged custodial attacks by law enforcers.
“Let’s not forget past cases. Sorry, I’m digressing (from debating proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences against Children Act) but we have Teoh’s family outside the Parliament gates.
“Remember when Tambun MP (Anwar) was assaulted until he had black eyes (in 1998).
“Hence, I urge our ministers to ease (process of giving memorandum) not only for Teoh’s group but others too, to not give a wrong perception to the public,” the Jelutong MP said.
