"We want to establish the truth and nothing but the truth... it is important for us to ensure that public faith and confidence in important institutions." Such an assertive statement comes from none other than the Prime Minister, Najib Abdul Razak (pic left) on Wednesday while announcing the Cabinet decision to set up a royal commission to look into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's investigative procedures and to determine if there were any human right violations when the late Teoh Beng Hock was being interrogated.
He also revealed that an inquest will be held to determine Teoh's cause of death.
While such a statement just sounds too good especially coming from someone who till to-date has yet to fully absolve himself of the Altantuya controversy, let’s give him the benefit of doubt that the soon to be set up Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) could really achieve what it is intended for, that is to find out Teoh’s cause of death and not just another whitewash, like what happened to the Lingam Tape controversy and the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) – which now remained as academic, if not another controversy themselves.
Teoh’s untimely and mysterious death has shaken the nation at the same time exposed serious
flaws in the investigative procedures of our law enforcement agencies.
Death in custody not only reflects badly on the relevant authorities but also our nation as a whole and this may have a far-reaching impact on our country especially when foreign investors start losing confidence in this country.
I therefore hope the soon to be set up royal commission will compel our law enforcement agencies to review their investigative procedures and to recommend those of international standard, not only to prevent a recurrence but also to safeguard their own reputation.
If Najib Tun Razak and the government is really sincere with his "1Malaysia,People First,Performance Now" motto,he should abolish the MACC and replace it with one appointed by the King and answerable only to Parliament.Presently,MACC is answerable only to the Prime Minister who can always use it against the opposition.
In fact, many countries have audio and visual recordings of all their interviews with the suspects or witness..
It is also worth considering making the pathology department an independent body so as to ensure a more credible investigation and solving of severe crimes involving death, especially those which happened to involved the law enforcement agencies.
I would also like to present to you here a short video clip sent to me by a reader of this blog which exposes the obnoxious treatment of a suspect in custody.
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