RCI Must Establish Cause of Teoh’s Death and Have Credible Members to show Najib’s sincerity
We, the undersigned civil society organisations (CSOs) say “NO” to the “lame duck” Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the late Teoh Beng Hock which Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak intends to set up.
We demand that the RCI to be given specific and comprehensive Terms of Reference [TOR] to clear all doubts pertaining to Beng Hock’s mysterious and torturous death.
We fully support the position of the Malaysians for Beng Hock Movement that the TOR of the proposed RCI must include the following:
a. Investigating thoroughly and identifying the cause of Beng Hock’s death, especially identifying the cause of bruise which appeared on his neck.
b. Reviewing and reforming the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation protocols to be in line with human rights standards and international best practices.
c. Identifying the political, administrative and criminal responsibility of all individuals or institutions whose decisions and acts had directly or indirectly led to the death of Teoh Beng Hock and recommending specific actions to charge or penalize these individuals;
d. Investigating into other allegations of torture, illegal detention and other misconducts by MACC if and when necessary and proposing reforms in the formal procedures of and actual practices in MACC investigation and interrogation.
In upholding the cardinal principle of transparency, we demand that the Report of the RCI and all related documents be made available to the public, without conditions.
Transparent Appointment of RCI Members
In order to show his sincerity in seeking the truth and justice, the Prime Minister has to ensure transparency and independence in the selection and appointment of RCI members.
The selection panel must include representatives of the Teoh family, Bar Council, Selangor State Government and human rights community to ensure full consultation and credibility.
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