Malaysians for Beng Hock, Rakyat against Torture!

Press Statement, 9 August 2010

We, a group of Malaysian citizens whose hearts have been shattered and minds have been disturbed by the mysterious death of Teoh Beng Hock, are incensed at the ineffectiveness of the coroner’s inquest in uncovering the truth behind his death as well as the stubbornness of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) lawyers in repeatedly trying to prevent renowned forensic pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand from testifying in the inquest. 

We have thus decided to heed the call from the late Beng Hock’s sister Teoh Lee Lan for Malaysians to provide more support for their family, by initiating the “Malaysians for Beng Hock” campaign. We want to share our strength and spirit together with the Teoh family in their relentless and courageous pursuit of justice.

We believe that in a democratic society, everyone has a penchant for social justice. Only by standing up courageously and persistently against injustice for all who are suppressed by the establishment, by writing the wrongs, can the conscience of the society be preserved and collective justice be upheld. We call on all organizations and individual citizens of this nation to join the campaign and support Beng Hock’s family until the truth is revealed and torture is eradicated.

Beng Hock had become the sacrificial lamb of a distasteful power struggle fuelled by greed, hatred, and the thirst for revenge as the nation is experiencing democratic transition. We urge the Government to bring the real perpetrator to justice and bring peace to Beng Hock’s family. In the long run, the government must reform its laws and law enforcement agency to realize a torture-free society, in which everyone enjoys freedom from fear.

The initiators of the campaign are Chong Kok Siong (012-2138610), Ng Yap Hwa (012-2658448), Liau Kok Fah, Haris Ibrahim, Sharifuddin Abdul Latiff, Lim Zhen Hui, Jayanath Appudurai, Padma Hannah Zachariah, Siah Kwong Liang, Tey Hwey Gek, Danny Chua, Toh Chin Hong, Wong Chin Huat and Wong Chun Nam. 

For those interested to join this campaign, you may contact the above mobile numbers or visit our blog at malaysiansforbenghock.wordpress.com or facebook group at http://facebook.com/malaysiansforbenghock

Chong Kok Siong
Coordinator
Malaysians for Beng Hock Campaign