[Watch] Teoh Beng Hock's Family Rejects MACC Apology, Compensation On 16th Death Anniversary

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

The family of the late Teoh Beng Hock has rejected an apology and compensation offer from Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency on Wednesday (16 Jul), marking 16 years since his controversial death.

Teoh’s sister, Lee Lan, criticised the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for what she called an insincere apology that showed no genuine remorse.

“The MACC chief commissioner only apologised for the pain our family has endured since Teoh’s unfortunate death, but did not admit that MACC officials were involved in causing his death,” she said at a press conference.

Lee Lan emphasised that her family wants justice, not financial compensation.

“We reject MACC’s insincere apology and irresponsible compensation money. We want to make it clear – our family doesn’t want money. Don’t try to buy a life with money. This is a human life we’re talking about,” she said, breaking into tears as she spoke about her brother.

The family is demanding that five MACC officials suspected of being involved in Teoh’s death be prosecuted, rather than offered monetary settlements.

Ng Yap Hwa, chairman of the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement (TBH-ADA), revealed that since the Pakatan Harapan coalition returned to power in 2022, the Attorney General’s office has repeatedly suggested financial compensation through government leaders.

“The family immediately refused, emphasising that they want truth and justice. They want police to investigate and bring the criminals to justice seriously,” Ng said.

He criticised MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s statementas a “public relations show” rather than a genuine admission of wrongdoing.

Teoh, a 30-year-old political aide, was found dead at MACC headquarters in Shah Alam on 16 July 2009, after being questioned overnight about alleged misuse of state funds.

His death led to widespread controversy and calls for justice that continue to this day.

The case remains unresolved, with the family maintaining that he was killed rather than having committed suicide as initially suggested by authorities.

The family’s rejection of the compensation offer highlights their continued pursuit of accountability and justice in one of Malaysia’s most high-profile unsolved cases.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.