'Under Harapan, Muhyiddin had no intention to reinvestigate Beng Hock's death'
During Pakatan Harapan’s rule, the then home minister Muhyiddin Yassin had no intention to reinvestigate the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock although there was a decision by the cabinet, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
Lim further revealed that he had followed up the case with Muhyiddin when Harapan was in power but it came to nothing eventually...
During Pakatan Harapan’s rule, the then home minister Muhyiddin Yassin had no intention to reinvestigate the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock although there was a decision by the cabinet, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
Lim further revealed that he had followed up the case with Muhyiddin when Harapan was in power but it came to nothing eventually.
He said now he knew the reason behind it after the Sheraton Move, where Muhyiddin "betrayed" Harapan by pulling out Bersatu and eventually became the prime minister under the Perikatan Nasional government.
“Although this was a decision by the cabinet (of Harapan), that was the Home Ministry’s responsibility to implement it. At that time, he (Muhyiddin) was very friendly with us and invited me to his house several times for breakfast.
“During the breakfast, I followed up with him about the case. Until now, we only knew why there was no further development. There was a big plot behind him,” said Lim in his speech at the 11th-anniversary memorial service for Teoh in Semenyih.
He added that Muhyiddin fought for his position by betraying his comrades.
Although DAP is no longer in power, Lim assured that the party will never give up their fight for Teoh.
Teoh, the then political aide to DAP’s Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead after falling nine floors from MACC's former headquarters in Shah Alam, where he had been held overnight for questioning on his boss’ case, on July 16, 2009.
In 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled that he died from a fall that could have been accelerated by unlawful actions of persons unknown, including by MACC officers.
The court also ordered the police to investigate the death. However, the Attorney-General's Chambers found no criminal elements in his death.
Harapan had pledged to reinvestigate Teoh's case when they came into power in 2018.
However, the police received much criticism since they were probing the case last year under Section 342 of the Penal Code which deals with wrongful confinement.
Ram Karpal to write to AG
Lawyer Ram Karpal Singh, who represents Teoh's family, said he will write to Attorney-General Idrus Harun within two weeks to request for an update of the case.
The DAP’s Bukit Gelugor MP pointed out that the police had set up a special task force in June 2019 to reopen the case and took statements from around 10 people including Teoh’s younger sister, Lee Lan.
Hence, Ram Karpal believed that the current AG should have the investigation result in hand after one year of the probe.
“Our aim now is to ensure he makes the proper decision in terms of who to charge and under which section. It can’t be under Section 342 of the Penal Code,” said Ram at the press conference after the memorial ceremony.
Citing the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ram Karpal reiterated that there are elements of criminal offence on the death of Teoh, so the cops should investigate the case at least under the section which related to causing death such as Section 302 or Section 304 for murder or culpable homicide.
“It's not a question of who is the government but it is about carrying out the investigation independently and professionally, that can be done under whichever government of the day,” he said when asked if it is tougher to reverse the case since DAP is no longer in power.
Teoh’s family waiting for 11years
During the memorial ceremony, Lee Lan also reminded DAP to learn from its past experience in power and seek justice immediately for her brother if they come into power again.
“If you get back the power next time, please don’t forget Teoh's family who have been waiting for 11 years,” she said.
Last year, disappointed by the Harapan government for not providing a clear investigation to Teoh’s untimely demise, Lee Lan urged the then federal government to "done talking, please act" during the 10th memorial service.
Over a hundred people attended today's memorial service at Nirvana Memorial Park Semenyih, which has been organised by DAP every year.
Teoh's parents, wife, and ten-year-old son were also presented.
DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, chairperson Tan Kok Wai, treasurer Fong Kui Lun and Ean Yong were among the party leaders who attended the memorial service.
During the press conference with Ram after the ceremony today, Lee Lan added that the DAP secretary-general had promised her in front of the grave of Teoh that if Harapan comes back to power, they will set a timeline to reverse the case.
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