RCI is utterly wrong to label TBH death as suicide

By Dr Chen Man Hin, DAP life advisor

The decision of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the death of Teoh Beng Hock to declare it a suicide is unconscionable and unacceptable to the people who want justice for Teoh Beng Hock and his family.

An incredulous roar of disapproval erupted throughout the country, when the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the death of Teoh Beng Hock announced their verdict that his death was due to suicide.

‘IMPOSSIBLE’ the people said. There was no earthly reason for TBH to commit suicide. He had everything going for him. He was getting married the next day to a wonderful girl and he was going tob e a father, he was holding a good job and faces a bright future. Yes, he was due for questioning by MACC today, but only as a witness and not as a suspect, and only for a few hours. He was the most unlikely candidate to be suicidal.

Unfortunately, TBH after a day of questioning by MACC officers on day 15th, he was found dead the next day 16th on the premises of MACC. There was a coroner’s inquest which returned an open verdict.

To appease the public, PM Najib announced the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to find out the cause or causes of the death of TBH. Was the RCI helpful?

Unfortunately no. A few days ago, the RCI had the temerity to declare that excessive interrogation and abuse has induced TBH to commit suicide.

In its explanation, RCI has dismissed the injuries found on post mortem, because these were due to the fall from the 14th floor down to 5th floor landing. There was derision for the opinions of world famous forensic pathologist Prof Pornthip of Thailand who said the death was 80% homicide and 20% suicide. So RCI know more about post mortems than a learned forensic pathologist?

RCI was less than thorough in their investigations. They carried out three interrogations and found that the MACC officers had psychotic personalities who relish in bullying and punishing TBH. It appeared that the 3rd interrogation ended at 3.30 am on 16th July. TBH was alive and well then but after 3.30 am it was not clear as to what happened. Was there a 4th interrogation? What was going on until 11am, the time that TBH died? There must be witnesses.

RCI should have investigated this period. Clearly this was the time when the injuries found on post mortem, were inflicted by unknown psychopathic MACC officers.

RCI should not wash their hands at this stage, and put the blame purely on TBH recourse to suicide. This is most unfair of RCI.

RCI abdication of its duty to find out the person or persons who were responsible for the death of TBH is most unconscionable. RCI inaptitude and neglect to pursue the matter until the culprits are found is most deplorable and shameful.

RCI must not be allowed to shirk its responsibility. RCI must find out the truth. Investigate and interrogate all officers in MACC who were connected with TBH. Get written and sworn statements on their movements. Subject them to a lie detection test. Get to the truth. If necessary bring in the psychologists who could use truth drugs to elicit information from the officers. Do whatever is necessary to find the truth.

The truth, it is what the people want.