Inquest on Teoh's Case

An inquest was held from 29 July to 12 August to investigate the mystery death of Teoh as stated on The Star last week. Teoh Beng Hock, as most of us would be particular, a political secretary of Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, that was found death on roof of the five storey building next door to the Plaza Masalam where he was taken to in for questioning by the MACC(Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission) on 16th July at its 14th floor office. The matter of questioning or "interrogation" was over alleged misuse of funds by state executive councillors that merely worth not more than RM2k, and the questioning lasted for 8 hours before Teoh was being discharge and later was found death. Teoh's belonging including his mobile phone was kept away by the MACC before he was discharged even though he was just a witness. That's about all the brief of Teoh's case, now come back to the inquest, I agreed on what Mr. Aru, our tort lecturer told us during the class, that a Royal Commission must be appointed rather than conducting an inquest. Teoh's case, which is classified as "sudden death", would not be solve by merely bringing up the witness for question in the court. The 77 witness including 28 MACC officers are brought in by the police. Not that I was being biased, but many incidents happened on how the police are to be called as corrupted or crooked. The integrity for the cops has diminished. E.g the case of Kugan on early 2009, who died after interrogated in the police custody for car theft. So being rational, the Royal Commission can cover wider scope that are contrast to inquest limitation, this may well include the finding of circumstances surrounding Teoh's death, protocol, standard regulating procedure etc. MACC carried the name as an important institution must be questioned as this may clear their name conjointly. Royal Commission which consist of senior member with expertise are more likely to solve the matter in a highly-accountable and transparent manner. Furthermore, Royal Commission are not governed by the rules of criminal procedure and hence investigation can be done efficiently without intrusion. Lastly by allowing Royal Commission to preside over the matter, the public will be more assured and hence not losing their faith toward MACC. I would strongly exhort that Royal Commission be establish on Teoh's case.