Monday, February 21, 2011

Will MCA and Chua Soi Lek speak up for the Teoh family?

Politics based along racial lines does not work because it only serves to divide the people. Teoh Beng Hock, is the political aide who died mysteriously, in July 2009 and his death eclipsed all that MCA is supposed to stand for, which is to represent the Malaysian Chinese.

Did the MCA consider Teoh a lesser Chinese because he belonged to the DAP? A good politician should be unbiased in his dealing with people. He should make no discrimination based upon their race, religion, station in life or political affiliation. The good politician would want to win the ‘other side’ over and more importantly, he would want to help people, in the name of unity.



Has the MCA overlooked the fact that this inquiry is not just to appease the Teoh family or to pay lip service to the pursuit of justice?

One man walked into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building and came out in a box. Something happened in the MACC offices and all Malaysians, none more so than the grieving Teoh family, want justice.

Why is the MCA’s voice muted in this sordid affair? Did the MCA’s central committee offer continuing support to the Teoh family in the last 18 months? Did the MCA attend all of the sessions during the inquest? Did the MCA protest about the clownish antics of the MACC lawyer Abdul Razak Musa? Did the MCA object when Teoh’s supposed ‘suicide note’ suddenly appeared in the latter stages of the inquest?

From the outset, there was great reluctance on the part of the investigating authorities to uncover the truth and Teoh’s death was conveniently swept under the carpet.

Najib mishandled Teoh’s death; from the day Teoh was hauled in for questioning, to the inquest and the RCI which he begrudgingly agreed to, earlier this month.

It is curious that Chua Soi Lek the president of MCA seemed to echo whatever Najib says and all throughout this debacle, MCA’s role has been questionable.

Last November, in Galas, Teoh’s brother-in-law was assaulted by an MCA supporter while distributing leaflets and for attempting to meet Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Heng Seai Kie.

When the open verdict of the inquest incensed the public, Najib finally agreed to a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI). Its scope was limited to the MACC’s investigative methods. Chua agreed and did not see the need for the RCI to expand the terms of reference.

He said, “The MCA has extended its sympathy and condolences to the family of political aide Teoh Beng Hock, and criticised the Opposition for politicising the inquest decision.

“The unfortunate death of Teoh Beng Hock has been used as a political instrument to discredit the government.


“While we admit it has not been handled very well from the beginning, nor has it inspired confidence in the government, it should not be used as a political weapon. Doing so will only prolong the suffering of his family”.


Although Chua registered the public’s disappointment, he failed to acknowledge the failure of the BN government in creating this mess.


Chua claimed that the issue had been politicised but is he not aware that this sordid affair was already politicised from the moment the MACC decided to haul Teoh in for questioning?

Teoh’s boss was from the DAP and he was accused of an alleged misuse of funds. The amount was a paltry sum of money in comparison with the millions previously spirited away by BN and its cronies.

Why is Chua reluctant to support the family for a full scale Royal Commission to probe the cause of Teoh’s death?

It did not surprise anyone when Najib said the RCI would investigate Teoh’s death. Chua then changed his tune and agreed, when only a few days earlier he did not think it necessary.

We now know about the RCI’s inconsistencies – the limited ‘witnesses list’ and the pursuit of the ‘suicide angle’. These have added to our unease.

There is a great sense that the community is failed by the authorities, our government and the politicians.
Chua has been insensitive to the sense of despair and outrage felt by the bereaved members of Teoh’s family. But all we observe is Chua flip-flopping, depending on whatever Najib decides.

Yesterday Najib blamed the family for politicising the Teoh RCI.

Tomorrow, will Chua gloat and tell us “I told you so”? - Malaysia Chronicle

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