The possibility of BN performing poorly in Sunday's Tenang by-election moved the government to give in to demands that the much-awaited Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) also investigates the cause of political aide Teoh Beng Hock's death.

"Earlier,"said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng,"it was announced that the commission would only look into the investigative procedures of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC).

"However, since the Chinese votes (for BN in Tenang) appear uncertain, we are informed that the commission will also look into the cause of Teoh's death," he told a press conference today.

NONE Lim ( left ), who is also DAP secretary-general, mocked at two BN Chinese leaders over their reluctance on the commission investigating the cause of Teoh's death.

The targets of his mockery were MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek and Gerakan chief Koh Tsu Koon.

Welcoming the announcement by the RCI yesterday, Lim expressed regret that the two leaders were so out of touch with the people's wishes that they had earlier opposed such an inquiry.

"Their failure to listen indicates that they are out of touch with the people, that (seeking) justice (for Teoh) was not important," he added.

Chua, a former health minister, had on Jan 8 dismissed calls for the commission to probe the cause of Teoh's death as well, instead of its scope being limited to the MACC's anti-graft investigation methods.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had a day earlier announced the formation of the RCI, which he said would only review MACC's investigation procedures.

Koh, who is a federal minister, has also been questioned for not protesting the cabinet decision that the RCI only looks into MACC's investigative procedures.

Lim said the commission, which would now probe the cause of Teoh's death as well, could ensure justice for Teoh and his family.

'Bring to justice those who cause Teoh's death'

If the truth about his tragic death was not known and those who responsible for it not punished, he warned, it would bring great damage to the country's justice system.

"It cannot be acceptable if those who caused Teoh's death are not brought to justice," he said.

azlan "We support the RCI, not only to ensure justice, but also to restore the confidence of the citizens that people who do wrong will be punished."

Najib announced yesterday that the commission would also look into the cause and circumstances of the DAP political aide's death.

It will investigate whether there had been any improper conduct by the MACC when questioning Teoh on July 15 two years ago.

It is also duty-bound to make recommendations to improve the MACC practices, if necessary.

Federal Court judge James Foong will head the five-member panel, which also comprises former Federal Court judge Abdul Kadir

Sulaiman, retired Court of Appeal judge T Selventhiranathan, forensic pathologist Dr Bhupinder Singh and psychiatrist and Cyberjaya Medical Science College University dean Dr Mohamed Hatta Shaharom.

The commission reportedly has three months to complete its investigations.