This Week: Malaysians mourn
In this, the first of a weekly round up of the top stories in Malaysia and views from Asia, I am in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka. Yet it’s hard to miss, or ignore, the events unfolding in Malaysia this week surrounding the death of Teoh Beng Hock, 30 year old political secretary to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hean Wah.
Not only is this a tragedy for a grieving family and Beng Hock’s pregnant fiance, the repercussions will be felt for a long time to come. Reports suggest that he fell to his death from the building housing the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) in Shah Alam, where he had been held for interview until 3.45am that night. No one can be sure what happened after that. Politicians are calling for a Royal Commission of Inquiry.
On Saturday, police reported that Beng Hock died as a result of a high fall. His death was classified as ‘sudden death’. The reason why he fell has yet to be determined, and dozens of questions are waiting to be answered.
What is known so far? According to Malaysiakini,
‘Teoh, 30, was found dead last Friday [17th July] . He had been picked up on Thursday about 5pm for questioning by the Selangor MACC in relation to a probe into the spending of constituency funds. His body was found at about 1.30pm the next day on the fifth floor balcony at the building in which the MACC is housed in Shah Alam.’ (Malaysiakini, July 21st)
The Star Online reports that Teoh Beng Hock was a key witness in the probe against several state assemblymen who allegedly misused allocation funds.
An uneasy public clearly wants their questions answered, as a forum held in Penang yesterday evening shows.
Malaysiakini.tv: Tribute to Teoh Beng Hock
