The royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into the death of Teoh Beng Hock has been given permission to extend its probe until June 25.

The inquiry which commenced on Feb 14 had been given until April 25 to wrap up its investigation and submit its report to the Agong.

azlan Commission chairperson James Foong, who made the announcement today, said the extension was “to give more time” to the inquiry.

The Agong has consented to this, said Foong, referring to a letter from the prime minister.

The inquiry, being held at the Kuala Lumpur court complex in Jalan Duta, has examined 36 witnesses of the 47 listed.

Among them were Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers involved in questioning Teoh on July 15, 2009.

He had been called in as a witness in a proble into alleged irregularities in the disbursement of Selangor funds involving his employer, Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Ean Yong Hian Wah.

Other witnesses included police investigators, Teoh’s friends and those with business links with Ean Yong, as well as expert witnesses such as pathologists, chemists and a graphologist.

On two occasions, witnesses broke down and cried on the stand, one of them a MACC officer caught watching porn on duty and the other, a witness who is suspected to have been coached .

Revision hearing pending

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had announced the formation of the RCI after a public outcry over the coroner's finding that Teoh’s death was due neither to homicide or suicide.

The RCI is focusing on two terms of reference: the cause of Teoh’s death and whether or not the MACC followed proper procedures when questioning him.

NONE Teoh’s family pulled out of the RCI as they could not accept the attorney-general’s (AG) decision to pursue a revision of the open verdict.

At the same time, they objected to three officers from the AG's Chambers serving as conducting officers at the RCI.

The family is of the opinion that the government is pushing for a finding of suicide.

The revision hearing is slotted for May 23 at the Shah Alam High Court.