The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has acknowledged findings from various investigations over the past 16 years regarding the death of Teoh Beng Hock, including the 2011 Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), the Court of Appeal’s 2014 ruling, and the recent Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) investigation, which was classified as No Further Action (NFA) by the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Although the latest investigation did not yield sufficient evidence to prosecute any individual, MACC stressed that Teoh’s death on its Selangor premises on July 16, 2009, remains a matter of utmost seriousness. The tragedy profoundly affected not only his family but also MACC personnel and Malaysians at large.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki expressed his deepest sympathies and extended an apology to Teoh’s family for the pain they have endured over the years.
Since the incident, MACC has implemented significant reforms to safeguard individuals assisting in investigations and rebuild public trust, including:
- Establishing Video Interviewing Rooms (VIR) to record statements from witnesses, detainees and suspects;
- Setting up a Witness Interview Room on the ground floor for better accessibility and transparency;
- Upgrading and increasing CCTV coverage to monitor and record movement and behavior within MACC premises;
- Installing iron grilles according to safety guidelines;
- Deploying Body Worn Cameras (BWC) during investigations to ensure integrity;
- Adopting and implementing the UK’s PEACE interview model (Planning, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluation) as MACC PEACE.
MACC also acknowledged that on May 12, 2015, the government paid RM600,000 in compensation and RM60,000 in legal costs to Teoh’s family as a full and final settlement under Sections 7 and 8 of the Civil Law Act 1956.
As a gesture of compassion, MACC is prepared to provide a goodwill contribution to support the welfare and education of Teoh’s child. MACC reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, transparency, and continuous institutional reform.
