MIC Youth adviser S Vell Paari has called for an inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock in order to unravel the mystery behind the incident and determine if any foul play was involved.

"The time has come for the government to do this, especially in sensitive cases. The general perception is that the truth can only surface in this manner.

vell paari vellpaari "If the government continues to keep mum, it will only serve to fuel public mistrust towards the government and enforcement agencies," he told Malaysiakini .

He said Teoh's untimely death had sparked off a litany of speculations and accusations which have affected the credibility of certain agencies, namely the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

"The only way to clear all this and arrive at the truth is by holding an inquest," he added.

Citing his own experience, Vell Paari said if the authorities could concede to holding an inquest into the death of his former employee K Sujatha in the wake of pressure from the opposition, it should do the same in this case.

Extending his condolences to the deceased's family and loved ones, Vell Paari, who is the son of MIC president S Samy Vellu, also said that he was shocked and saddened by the incident.

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.

Independent inquiry

sri lankan war victims fund 03062009 t mohan Meanwhile, MIC Youth chief T Mohan called on the government must set up a commission of inquiry to look into the case.

He said the establishment of the commission would help allay doubts and identify the possible factors which led to the incident.

"The government should appoint independent people with eminent standing to sit in the commission.

"We also support the suggestion by Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin calling for the setting up of a similar commission," he added.

On the same note, Mohan also urged Pakatan Rakyat not to politicise the issue as demonstrations and protests would not benefit anyone.

NONE "MIC Youth feels that any protests or preventing the police from conducting a fair investigation would only create mistrust between the people and government agencies.

"We urge opposition parties not to allow their emotions to run high and jump to conclusions," he said, while extending the Youth's deepest condolences to Teoh's family.