Cabinet, MACC, The Late Teoh and The People

Of course our condolences goes out to Teoh Beng Hock's loved ones. It is a tragedy that should not happen to any family.

His death in the vicinity of the MACC building and just after having been in the custody of MACC for a 10 hour questioning does give rise to legitimate concerns in the minds of the People, especially the Raperas.

The cabinet has correctly decided on an inquest into Teoh's death and the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the operating procedures of MACC. I welcome Prime MInister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's statement as reported in the Star:

“The Royal Commission will be set up according to specific terms, which is to scrutinise and study the procedures related to interrogations that are used by the MACC. It will also identify if there were any violations of human rights during Teoh’s interrogation".

This is clearly important as MACC (previously ACA) has come under frequent accusations of having employed rather inhumane methods of interrogation. It is critical for the safety of potential witnesses that the interrogation techniques employed by MACC is brought under public scrutiny and in compliance with human rights. Likewise, the image of MACC as an institution must be guarded by putting in place mechanisms that are not open to abuse by "over zealous officers".

Peace !