A Pattern of Repression?
Aliran is shocked and appalled at the death of Teoh Beng Hock, the political secretary to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hean Wah. Teoh was found dead on a rooftop next to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building yesterday afternoon. The circumstances surrounding the death are highly suspicious and if anyone is found directly or indirectly responsible, they should be brought to justice.
This horrific incident comes soon after disturbing allegations of the physical assault of a Simpang Renggam Municipal Council administrator in the course of an investigation made in a police report lodged against Johor MACC officials. There is also the account by Kajang Municipal Councillor, Tan Boon Hwa, regarding the allegedly racist nature of his interrogation by MACC officers.Further, the way the police behaved during the demonstration today outside the MACC building is another cause for worry. The beating, the dragging, and the arrests were unnecessary.
The pattern of behavior being exhibited by the very institutions which should be upholding basic ethical standards has destroyed any credibility left in them. What is the point of calling for ‘transparent and open inquiries’ into alleged abuses and into the deaths of those in custody or under interrogation, when the institutions themselves have so clearly displayed prejudice, lack of accountability and indifference to public opinion?Once again we call for the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). We also call for a complete revamp of the leadership, ethics and workings of the MACC.
The current climate of selective investigations, opposition harassment and allegations of physical abuse during interrogations already are a discredit to both the police and the MACC. This appalling incident must result in fundamental changes. Either the Prime Minister himself makes these changes, or we, the Malaysian public, must demand that they be made. Enough is enough.
Executive Committee
