TEOH BENG HOCK: BROKEN PROMISES, PAINFUL SILENCE

TEOH BENG HOCK: BROKEN PROMISES, PAINFUL SILENCE

By: Khairul Faizi bin Ahmad Kamil

More than 16 years have passed since the tragic death of Teoh Beng Hock at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office on 16 July 2009. Yet to this day, the most fundamental questions remain unanswered: Who was responsible for his death? Why has the truth still not been revealed?

When this tragedy occurred, the DAP, the party Teoh represented while serving as political secretary to Selangor Exco member Ean Yong Hian Wah was among the most vocal in championing justice for Teoh. The issue became a symbol of the struggle against tyranny and abuse of power by the government of the day. Campaign after campaign was held, and promise after promise was made: “We will find Teoh Beng Hock’s killer!”, they shouted with conviction.

Teoh's family was given a platform at political rallies and press conferences, widely highlighted as victims of an oppressive regime, successfully garnering public sympathy, especially among Chinese voters.

However, after being in government twice; first under Pakatan Harapan 1.0 (2018–2020) and now within the Unity Government (PH-BN) the issue has grown increasingly silent. DAP leaders are now largely quiet. There have been no renewed demands, no new disclosures, and no concrete steps to pursue justice. All that remains is a 30-second bow of respect by DAP leaders in front of the deceased’s family, accompanied by an apology and a compensation offer from the MACC.

Where are the principles they once proclaimed so loudly? DAP leaders are not on the fringes of power; they hold key positions in the government, positions they could use to uncover the long-hidden truth.

The reality is, DAP is now trapped by its own promises. While in opposition, they used Teoh Beng Hock’s death as a powerful political tool, particularly to win sympathy from Chinese voters and incite anger against Barisan Nasional. But now, in power, they realise that fully reopening the case carries great risk: it could undermine governmental institutions, expose internal weaknesses within the MACC, and threaten the fragile balance of the coalition government they are a part of.

They also realise that urban Chinese voters are beginning to see that Teoh Beng Hock’s case was exploited as political capital, rather than as a genuine pursuit of justice. Thus, the attempt to “close the story” with symbolic gestures and financial compensation is now viewed as a second insult to the family after the first insult of broken promises.

But Teoh’s family has rejected the offer. They demand what was promised, not money, but truth and justice. They want DAP to fulfil its pledge, not with a 30-second bow, but by standing up and taking real action as they once did.

Some unavoidable questions remain: 

i. Why has DAP chosen to remain silent now?

ii. Why has the MACC not been held fully accountable?

iii. Why is the death of a young man, once a symbol of struggle, now seen as a political liability?

The truth remains the truth, regardless of who holds power. DAP’s silence today not only damages its image in the eyes of the people but also reveals the party's true character. If Teoh Beng Hock was once a symbol of their fight, today his name bears witness to the hypocrisy of power.

DAP must remember, Malaysians do not forget so easily. Perhaps because DAP is now aligned with UMNO/BN in the Unity Government, everything has been conveniently swept aside.

KFAK