Previously, WORLD OF BUZZ reported that a 30-year-old journalist and political aide to a DAP assemblyman was detained and questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the night of 15 July 2009 over corruption allegations.
However, the following morning (16 July 2009), Teoh’s body was found on the rooftop of a building adjacent to MACC’s Shah Alam office. His death sparked nationwide outrage, prompting protests outside the MACC premises as the public demanded answers.
“We’d like to apologise to Teoh Beng Hock’s family”
16 years after Teoh Beng Hock’s death, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission acknowledges the findings from various investigations over the years, including the most recent police probe, which the Attorney General’s Chambers classified as “No Further Action” (NFA).
“Given that, I’d like to express my deepest sympathies and apologise to Teoh Beng Hock’s family for all the pain and hardship they’ve gone through over the years,” Azam said in a statement.
He added that while the latest investigation didn’t uncover enough evidence to charge anyone, the MACC takes the matter seriously, especially since Teoh was found dead at his Selangor office on 16 July 2009.
“This tragedy didn’t just affect his family, it left a lasting impact on MACC personnel and the whole country,” he said.
“MACC is prepared to make a charitable contribution”
Following these efforts, Azam Baki reaffirmed the MACC’s commitment to integrity and institutional reforms to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Since the incident, the MACC has implemented several improvements, including:
- Strengthening the rights of witnesses and those under investigation
- Improving SOPs for questioning and investigations
- Upgrading MACC facilities for safer, more comfortable environments
- Using Body Worn Cameras (BWC) in all operations to ensure transparency
- Adopting the PEACE (Planning, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluation) model for safer, more effective interrogation, adapted as MACC PEACE
The MACC also highlighted that on 12 May 2015, the government paid RM600,000 in compensation to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock, along with RM60,000 for legal costs, as a full and final settlement under Sections 7 and 8 of the Civil Law Act 1956.
“As a further gesture of goodwill, Azam Baki stated that the MACC is prepared to make a charitable contribution (an amount to be decided later) to support the welfare and education of Teoh’s children,” he added.
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Also read: MACC Sabah: Civil Servants Who Reject & Report Corruption Will Receive Reward Equal to Bribe Amount
