Analysts: Teoh's case may dent Harapan's image, but not overall support

An academic believed that while Teoh Beck Hock’s case may dent Pakatan Harapan’s image to a certain extent, it would not affect the overall support enjoyed by the coalition among its supporters.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Mazlan Ali said Beng Hock’s case has a sentimental connection to the Chinese community, given how DAP and Harapan used it as political mileage when criticising the previous BN administration.

“This issue holds significant sentimental value to the Chinese community, because when Beng Hock’s death happened during the BN administration, the opposition at the time capitalised on it to gain sympathy,” he told Malaysiakini.

He explained that during their opposition days, Harapan leaders, particularly from DAP, used Beng Hock’s death to position themselves as champions of justice.

“Now that DAP is part of the government, they should address the issue much more thoroughly and carefully. If not, other parties might eventually use a similar narrative to criticise the Madani government for failing to deliver the justice they promised,” he added.

Earlier this week, over 40 youth groups warned how Beng Hock’s case could determine the government’s fate in the next general election.

This followed after Beng Hock’s sister, Teoh Lee Lan, admonished DAP and its secretary-general Anthony Loke, after the latter urged the family to accept the compensation offered by the MACC.

On the 16th anniversary of Beng Hock’s death, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki tendered a public apology for the first time and offered financial compensation to the deceased’s family.

However, the family rejected Azam’s overtures and stressed that justice was more important than financial compensation.

Address carefully

Stressing the need to address the issue carefully, Mazlan said the Chinese community firmly believes that Beng Hock’s family deserves justice.

“I am not arguing that the Madani government will outright ignore the issue. But the issue, in fact, can influence political sentiments. So, I think the prime minister will eventually pay a lot of attention to Beng Hock’s case.

“However, any further discontent arising from this issue might not be a huge overall factor in the Chinese community’s rejection or support for the Madani government,” he explained.

Mazlan added that the Chinese community also have other considerations in their minds, such as political and economic stability.

Political realities

Universiti Malaya analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi urged the government to look into the matter in the context of current political realities, adding it may affect DAP’s standing, though it may not be much.

“In this context, the moral implications and critical perception towards DAP of being less vocal, compared to when they were part of the opposition, can surely affect the extent of support even from DAP’s most loyal supporters - especially the urban and semi-urban voters.

“If DAP fails to engage in moral consistency, they risk being labelled as opportunists instead of reformists.

“However, the impact on widespread support is still limited, because the majority of the rakyat at the moment are more focused on issues such as rising costs of living, subsidies, and daily economic concerns.

“Hence, the Beng Hock’s case may result in more of a symbolic and psychological impact, especially for a smaller group of supporters who have always been firm about moral consistency, and may not necessarily leave much impact on Harapan on a wider scale.”

DAP praised

On the positive side, Awang said DAP has shown commitment in calling for justice, with the government being willing to reopen the case if new evidence emerges.

However, he stressed that this narrative must be combined with concrete action.

Awang also praised Loke and DAP’s actions as brave, sincere, and transparent in their attempts to pursue justice for Beng Hock.

“This is an opportunity to strengthen political integrity. Loke also informed Beng Hock’s family that they are free to continue pursuing justice and to remain outspoken on the incident. He also said DAP will continue to offer support, including in terms of legal aid.

“These actions show that DAP is serious about assisting Beng Hock’s family. If not, it could be seen as a failure to meet their promises of reforms, which will affect public support.

“It may not happen today, but in the long run,” he said.

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