Urimai chairman and former Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, P. Ramasamy, has strongly criticised the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) offer of financial assistance to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock, describing the move as “an insult.”
In a Facebook post, Ramasamy asserted that what Teoh’s family truly seeks is closure — specifically, the identification and prosecution of those responsible for his death — not monetary compensation.
“The last thing the family needs is financial aid,” he wrote.
He added that if MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki is unable to assist meaningfully by identifying the parties responsible for Teoh’s death, he should refrain from making superficial gestures.
“Azam should not assume that financial assistance will bring closure to this tragedy,” he said.
Earlier in the day, MACC had issued a statement offering a goodwill contribution to Teoh’s family, referring to the gesture as one of “compassion.”
Azam also reiterated that the latest investigation into the case found insufficient evidence to prosecute anyone, but insisted that the commission views the matter with utmost seriousness. He extended an apology to the family for the pain and suffering they have endured over the years.
Teoh Beng Hock, who served as a political aide to a Selangor assemblyman, was found dead on July 16, 2009, on the fifth-floor landing of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam, after being questioned for several hours by MACC officers at their Selangor headquarters in the same building.
An inquest into his death resulted in an open verdict, but in 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled that Teoh’s death was caused by “one or more persons unknown,” including MACC officers.
In 2019, the Royal Malaysia Police reopened the case under Section 342 of the Penal Code for wrongful confinement.
Prior to 2018, two special investigation teams — established in 2011 and 2015 — were formed to examine the case. However, both investigations were later classified as “no further action” by the Attorney General’s Chambers.
In 2015, the Malaysian government paid RM600,000 in compensation and an additional RM60,000 in legal costs to Teoh’s family, as part of a settlement in a civil lawsuit. The suit, filed by the family, named the government and 12 individuals, alleging negligence in connection with his death.
