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I am deeply saddened by THIS REPORT in The Malaysian Insider which reported that the "Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Teoh Beng Hock’s death suffered a major blow to its credibility today after the family of the dead political aide withdrew from the inquiry."

I can imagine the pain, frustration and anguish the family must have felt when they decided to pull out of proceedings after the royal panel decided to continue the inquiry despite a proposed judicial review over the appointment of deputy public prosecutors (DPPs) as conducting officers.

The panel also shot down Karpal's call for Foong to recuse himself as panel chairperson, saying that there are not enough grounds to support the application.

According to the report, DAP chief Karpal Singh, who is counsel for the Teohs, said that the family would withdraw so as not to lend legitimacy to the commission.

Malaysiakini also reported on this case. I am posting this excerpt from HERE for the benefit of those who have yet to subscribe to Malaysiakini:

Karpal argued that Foong should recuse himself as the latter is still a member of the judiciary, thus presenting a conflict of interest as the RCI should consist of independent panellists.

The panel however unanimously decided that there was no basis to support Karpal's contention.

Earlier, proceedings were stalled after Karpal objected to the commission's decision to continue with the hearing, saying that it was "unreasonable" to do so while their application for judicial review is still in process.

His co-counsel Gobind Singh pointed out that the commission runs the risk of "contamination of evidence", as the evidence presented in the earlier inquest would be considered compromised should the High Court rule in favour of a judicial review.

Shafee Abdullah, acting for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, agreed that the application by Teoh's family is an urgent and serious matter, but pointed out that the timing of the application would greatly delay the RCI.

He stressed that regardless of who wins in the High Court, there will be an appeal and it would push back the RCI proceedings by at least three months.

Shafee added that the integrity of the RCI would not be affected should it continue its hearing - should the High Court rule in favour of having a review, the commission can simply disqualify the evidence in question.

More to come later AT THIS LINK.

At 5.58pm, there were 42 comments in Malaysiakini in response to this development.

One of the comments in Malaysiakini by ChangeAgent stands out and he/she wrote:

Here is a comment I posted two days ago. Please allow me to re-emphasise on the last sentence to all fellow Malaysiakini readers: I plead with the Teoh family and lawyers to boycott the RCI and stage a walk-out en masse so as not to lend any further credence to this farcical event. I sincerely sympathise with the family and am touched by their unwavering determination to find justice for their beloved TBH. However, if truth be told, they are unlikely to find closure through this staged inquiry where the outcome has already been determined to protect the true culprits from facing the full brunt of law. It would be too cruel to see them to go through and relive the charades scripted by the BN government all over again. I hereby urge all sensible Malaysians to show solidarity with the Teoh family by remembering TBH's tragic death and sacrifices, and translating it into a resounding demand for justice at the next ballot box.

Another one named LoverBoy wrote:

It appears that the family of TBH are trying to get everything their way as suggested by some. But I hope you would consider the following. The RCI was appointed by the Agong and its duty is investigative in nature to determine the cause of death of TBH. I would accept the panel although some may disagree. What I cannot accept are the DPP and the reason raised by Gobin on possible Bias. In the review these DPP are moving for a suicide verdict and in the RCI they are suppose to assist the RCI. Now James Foong, the golden thread of Natural Justice is the issue of Bias? Can you persuade the Malaysian public that these DPP are free from Bias? Can they wear two hats when in another forum they are pushing for a suicide verdict and in the RCI they are to assist the RCI. Common sense will tell you otherwise. The other issue, can you tell Malaysia why Dr. Pornthip is not called as a witness to testify in this RCI? Karpal you did right and I support the withdrawal from the RCI.



Whatever the case, I pray all parties concerned will really have a heart for Teoh Beng Hock and his family who seek closure and justice for his death. Please leave no stone unturned to find the truth and punish those who are responsible for TBH's untimely and tragic death! Remember his widow and his fatherless son, his family and loved one not forgetting other Malaysians who are outraged by his death and subsequent developments.

JUSTICE FOR TEOH BENG HOCK, KUGAN and all who died tragic and untimely deaths.