Suhakam also investigating Teoh’s death

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 July 2009: The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will investigate thoroughly the 16 July 2009 death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock at the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office.

Suhakam commissioner Datuk N Siva Subramaniam said the investigation would also cover complaints from individuals of being injured during a 17 July demonstration in front of Wisma Masalam in Shah Alam where Teoh was found dead.

“Suhakam will conduct an independent investigation into the two incidents and whatever decision made, such as whether there should be a public inquiry, will be known after our meeting next month.”

Siva was speaking to reporters at the Suhakam office today after receiving a protest memorandum from several individuals who claimed police injured them during the demonstration.

Siva urged for individual’s fundamental rights to be respected and protected when any investigation was being conducted by the authorities.

“According to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, torture involves any act, inflicted on a person to obtain from him [or her] or a third person information or confession, with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity,” he said.

Teoh, 30, was found dead at 1.30pm on 16 July on the 5th floor of Wisma Masalam which also houses the Selangor MACC headquarters on the 14th floor.

Teoh, the political aide of state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was a witness in the MACC’s investigation into alleged misappropriation of state allocations.

He had been questioned at the MACC office from 5pm on 15 July to 3.45am the next day before he was found dead. — Bernama