COMMENT | The moment politicians on both sides stop using Teoh Beng Hock’s name to jab each other, and instead demand real institutional reform, regardless of political cost, is when real justice might begin in Malaysia.

From the moment Teoh died in MACC custody in 2009, it became a lightning rod for the opposition, particularly Pakatan Rakyat, as it symbolised state abuse of power, lack of accountability, and institutional impunity.

At the time, Pakatan Rakyat was an informal political coalition between DAP, PKR and PAS.

But here’s the thing, while they did use it politically, they also had a legitimate basis because someone died under state custody.

Teoh was not a political tool. He was a young man, a fiancé, and a public servant whose life ended under circumstances that demanded answers.