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Contributed by Richard Wee & Yip Xiaoheng

The Bar Council’s team of solicitors at the Royal Commission of Inquiry (“RCI”) investigating Teoh Beng Hock’s death (“RCI-TBH”) will provide regular updates on the proceedings.  For ease of reference, all reports will bear the heading “RCI-TBH”.

4 May 2011 – Day 47 began with the testimony of Lee Kee Hiong, Kajang Town councillor.  She has worked as a part time worker for Hong Chae Enterprise and WSK Services, acting as a programme coordinator.

During examination, Lee Kee Hiong explained that she had known Teoh Beng Hock since 2005/2006, when she had been a reporter covering the Grand Saga Highway protest.  Furthermore, she claimed to have only been involved in programmes such as Mesra Rakyat, and not contracts for remedial works.  She explained that all programmes had been approved by YB Ean Yong Hian Wah and the contractor had also been appointed by him.

When questioned regarding the payments to Democratic Action Party (“DAP”), Lee Kee Hiong replied that all payments to DAP had been for reimbursements, and she had been able to watch the receipts that had been given to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (“MACC”) with each reimbursement.

When asked regarding the personality of Teoh Beng Hock, Lee Kee Hiong described him as a calm, responsible and honest person, in addition to being the best political secretary she had met.

The next witness on the stand was Wong Hong Chae.  During his testimony, he confirmed that he was the sole proprietor of Hong Chae Enterprise.  He had known YB Ean Yong Hian Wah since 2007.  After learning that YB Ean Yong Hian Wah had become a state assemblyman, Wong Hong Chae had approached him for jobs.

During examination, Wong Hong Chae testified that Lee Wye Weng managed all the paperwork for his jobs as he was illiterate.  However, where projects were concerned, he would physically supervise the work conducted.

The third witness of the hearing was Ahmad Shafik, MACC investigation officer, who had taken over the investigation in relation to the misappropriation of allocation of state assembly funds.  He was recalled to be questioned by Muhammad Shafee Md Abdullah, counsel for MACC.

Ahmad Shafik testified that his investigation of the case had been limited to section 18 of the MACC Act.  However, he suggested that there might have been other offences perpetrated, such as under section 23 of the MACC Act or an offence of cheating under the Penal Code.

Ahmad Shafik also testified that he had been unable to match receipts given to him by Lee Wye Weng with the figure reimbursed for specific transactions to DAP.  During further examination, he confirmed that he had not sought any clarification for the receipts, nor had he recommended pursuing any investigation for other offences.  Upon questioning by Dato' T Selventhiranthan, Commissioner, Ahmad Shafik revealed that there had been no evidence to charge anyone for any other offence.

The last witness to take the stand today was Harun, who had set up three businesses under the names of his relatives to undertake work for programmes by Selangor state assemblymen.  During examination, he confirmed that he had allowed Lee Wye Weng to manage the programmes and the work.  His businesses were paid a commission of 5% or 10%, depending on the value of the work.  He also confirmed that after completion of the recording of his statement at MACC Selangor at 8:30 pm on 15 July 2009, he had not been allowed to go home until 2:00 am on 16 July 2009.

The RCI-TBH proceeding was adjourned at approximately 5:00 pm and will recommence at 9:00 am on Thursday, 5 May 2011.  There is also a possibility that the RCI-TBH will end its hearing of evidences next week, before parties prepare submissions.

Counsel appearing for Bar Council at today’s proceedings were Christopher Leong, Sivaneindiren s/o Selvandam and Robert Low.

Members of the public who have relevant information in relation to the RCI’s investigation into the death of Teoh Beng Hock are urged to contact Bar Council’s team of solicitors by email at bc.rci.tbh@gmail.com.