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LETTER

Tenaganita express our deepest condolences to the family of Teoh Beng Hock. Teoh, who was working as the political secretary to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hean Wah, is said to have plunged to his death from the building. The circumstances leading to his death are mysterious.

We have lost a great son, brother, friend and comrade. His life has been taken too early under mysterious circumstances. But the truth must be revealed.

The truth is that he was called to be questioned by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC). And he was questioned from the evening till the wee hours of the morning. The truth is that the state was becoming repressive and laying a well planned attack on honest representatives of the people in the Selangor state government who were fighting corruption.

Questions emerge as to why Teoh needed to be questioned to the early hours of the morning when he was just a witness. What form did the interrogation or questioning or investigations take? What standards were being used and what form of oversight was in place so that rights of Teoh were protected and addressed. What levels of transparency was practiced? And why were his lawyers not allowed to be nearby for him to consult and clarify, if he needed advice.

Neither the MACC nor the police can investigate. They will be biased as we know both these agencies are being used to attack a democratically elected opposition and state government. Tenaganita supports the call for an independent royal commission of inquiry to be instituted to ensure justice is seen to be done and that persons and institution are made responsible for Teoh’s death. The years of assurance of transparency and integrity has only been met with more defence for the corrupt. Teoh’s death is testimony to what extent this defence for the corrupt has developed.

Teo’s life has been taken but not what he stood and fought for. Everyone who knew him says he was gentle, honest, caring, struggling for justice, truth and democracy. The baton is now with us. The candles can be extinguished. But the spirit and light within us will be even stronger and move further and further to new people and new areas.

Irene Fernandez
Director Tenaganita
17 July 2009