On 15 July 2009, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) took Teoh into custody for questioning about allegations of corruption. Exactly a year ago, Teoh was found dead the next morning on the rooftop of a building adjacent to the MACC offices.
He was engaged to 28-year-old teacher Soh Cher Wei after a two-year courtship and was supposed to register his marriage with her the day following his death. They had also planned a photo shoot on the same day, followed by a honeymoon and wedding reception in October.
A young man's life, cruelly plucked off the face of this earth, all because of what? That question remains unanswered because of many reasons.
Malaysiakini reports HERE that on the eve of Teoh Beng Hock's first-year death anniversary, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in an unusual move expressed its condolence to the grieving family in a three-paragraph statement (available only in Mandarin and I wonder why) sent by email. The report said:
"I represent myself and all members of MACC. We share the same sadness and disappointment with Teoh's family over what happened on July 16, 2009," MACC commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed (right) said in the statement.
"Although a year has passed since the unfortunate incident, we still feel the pain and sadness. As a father and an elder in the family, I can deeply feel the unbearable pain of losing a family member," he added.
Abu Kassim hoped that Teoh's inquest could come to a decision in the shortest possible time.
"As the commissioner of MACC, I stress that we will abide by the decision of the inquest. MACC will not compromise or shield anyone who is involved in the case."
In another report HERE, Teoh's younger sister Lee Lan said said MACC's chief Abu Kassim Mohamed's statement yesterday, in which he said the commission felt the family's pain, was pure hypocrisy. She said:
"He has been MACC chief for six months. His lawyer had several times tried to stop Thai pathologist Dr Porntip Rojanasunand from testifying through video conferencing.
"If he wants the truth, he should allow Dr Porntip to testify through video conferencing. He was conflicting himself in his statement yesterday. If he is sincere, he will not repeatedly do things that go against what he has said."
Lee Lan reiterated that the family members "will not be cheated by the MACC chief".
According to LKS's blog, there are three memorial services for Teoh Beng Hock.
- Ceramah in Selangor-KL Chinese Assembly Hall. KL 16 July, 8pm (tonight) (map)
- Candle light vigil at Speakers’ Square in Penang, 8.30pm tonight.
- On 17/7/2010 (Sat) 9am – Public Memorial Service in front of Beng Hock’s resting place at the Nirvana Memorial Park, Semenyih, Selangor. (map N3 01.970 E101 52.002)
One young man died leaving behind his widow, his fatherless child and his beloved family members and friends who are still trying to come to terms with the loss. They and the rest of concerned Malaysians are still seeking justice for Teoh Beng Hock and also the others who died under mysterious circumstances.
If you are in Penang, please make your way to the Speakers' Square at Esplanade for the Candle light vigil tonight at 8.30p.m. to remember this unfortunate victim of circumstances whose life ended prematurely, tragically and mysteriously. I'll be there and I hope as many Penangites will be there too. Come, light a candle and let's remember this young man who tragically lost his life...and let us pray for justice.
AT THIS LINK, you can watch the video of the ceremony at Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam this morning where family members of Teoh Beng Hock, Selangor state exco members and politicians gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the political aide's mysterious death.
I am sure many of you can imagine the volume and magnitude of the pain and sadness of his loved ones. Malaysians will not forget TBH and I pray there will be justice for Teoh Beng Hock! May he rest in peace but how can he if there is no justice and if his murderers are not arrested, charged and punished? May those responsible not rest in peace and may they be convicted to confess their crimes just so to come to terms with their conscience and their Maker. May the Almighty bless his family members and heal their hearts, souls and spirits.
Selvi Is it that difficult to 'catch' the culprit or culprits?
Justice for Teoh Beng Hock!