G25 said it stood in solidarity with Teoh’s family and all Malaysians who continue to seek truth and justice following the former political aide’s death in 2009.
“We fully support the statement issued by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) which calls for transparency, accountability, and renewed commitment from the government to pursue justice.
“We echo Suhakam’s urgent appeal for the AGC and police to review their NFA decision and for those responsible to be held accountable under the law,” it said in a statement, adding that this renewed call for justice also reflects broader concerns that have persisted for years.
On June 18, Suhakam had urged the AGC and the police to explain why the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers implicated in Teoh’s death have yet to be held accountable.
It asked the AGC and the police to review the decision to classify the case as NFA, and to initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible for Teoh’s death.
G25 also renewed its call for the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), an enforcement oversight body with full investigatory and disciplinary authority which can address cases such as Teoh’s.
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and the failure to act decisively after more than 16 years not only prolongs the emotional suffering of Teoh’s family but sets a dangerous precedent for future cases involving custodial deaths and abuse of power,” it said.
Teoh was found dead on July 16, 2009 after falling from the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam, Selangor.
He had earlier been questioned for several hours by MACC officers at the Selangor MACC headquarters.
An inquest into his death initially returned an open verdict. However, in 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled that Teoh’s death was caused by “one or more unknown persons”, including MACC officers.
Before 2018, two special investigation teams had been set up to look into Teoh’s death – one in 2011 and the other in 2015 – but both cases were classified as NFA by the public prosecutor.
In 2019, police launched an investigation under Section 342 of the Penal Code for wrongful confinement.
A re-investigation was ordered by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in November last year, directing the police to re-examine all aspects of the case.
Last month, the AGC said it found insufficient evidence to bring charges following the fresh investigation, and maintained the NFA classification.