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The family of the late Teoh Beng Hock has rejected the apology of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), calling instead for justice to be served
In a press conference yesterday, 17 July, Teoh's sister, Teoh Lee Lan, 45, described the apology as insincere and a publicity stunt timed to coincide with the 16th death anniversary of his death, reported The Vibes.
"The MACC's intention to provide a charitable contribution to the family, especially for the deceased's children, as a sign of concern is an act of shame for the family.
"If he (MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki) thinks that lives can be bought with money, then hand over the 'lives' of the five MACC officers previously named who are responsible for Beng Hock's death, and we will provide a charitable contribution to the MACC again and present an apology," she said.
Lee Lan said her family's pursuit has always been about justice, not financial settlement.
Teoh Lee Lan (third from left) and members of the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement holding up photos of MACC officers they believe were involved in her brother's death.
Image via FMTThe family's response comes after Azam apologised to them on Wednesday, 16 July, 16 years after Teoh's death at the commission's Selangor office
The chief commissioner expressed deep regret over the tragedy and acknowledged the pain and suffering endured by Teoh's family, reported the New Straits Times.
He also said that the commission is prepared to offer a goodwill contribution to support the welfare and education of Teoh's children.
Azam cited findings from multiple investigations conducted over the past 16 years, stating that while the latest probe did not yield enough evidence to charge anyone, MACC takes the incident seriously, given that Teoh was found dead on its premises in 2009.
Previous investigations into the case include the 2011 Royal Commission of Inquiry, the 2014 Court of Appeal ruling, and the most recent police investigation, which the Attorney-General's Chambers classified as requiring no further action (NFA).
Azam added that MACC is committed to reforms that enhance protection for individuals involved in investigations. These include requiring officers to wear body cameras and setting up video interviewing rooms to record witness statements.
In May 2015, the government paid RM600,000 in compensation and RM60,000 in legal costs to the family as a full and final settlement under Sections 7 and 8 of the Civil Law Act 1956, reported The Star.
Teoh was found dead at Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam on 16 July 2009 after giving a statement at the MACC office.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Image via Mohamad Shahril Badri Saali/New Straits Times