MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the latest investigations found insufficient evidence to charge anyone in Teoh’s death, but maintained that the anti-graft agency took a very serious view of the incident.
“This tragic incident has had a profound impact, not only on the deceased’s family, but also on all MACC personnel and the nation as a whole.
“In light of this, I, as the chief commissioner of MACC, wish to express my deepest sympathies and extend an apology to the family of the late Teoh for the pain and suffering they have endured over the years.
“As a gesture of compassion, MACC is prepared to provide a goodwill contribution to the late Teoh’s family for the purpose of supporting the welfare and educational needs of his child,” he said in a statement.
Teoh died on July 16, 2009, at the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, after being questioned for hours by MACC at its Selangor office.
An inquest into his death was held and the coroner returned an open verdict. However, the Court of Appeal in 2014 ruled that Teoh’s death was caused by “one or more persons unknown”, including MACC officers.
In 2019, police launched an investigation under Section 342 of the Penal Code for wrongful confinement.
Prior to 2018, two special investigation teams were set up – one in 2011 and the other in 2015 – to look into Teoh’s death, but the outcome of both investigations were classified as “no further action” by the public prosecutor.
In 2015, Putrajaya paid RM600,000 to Teoh’s family, as well as RM60,000 in legal costs, as part of a settlement to a civil suit filed by the family. The family had named the government and 12 others in the suit for negligence over his death.
Azam said MACC had implemented numerous reforms since Teoh’s death to address its shortcomings while regaining public trust.
This includes setting up video interviewing rooms to record the statements of witnesses and suspects, as well as a witness interview room on the ground floor.
Azam said MACC had also increased and upgraded its CCTVs to ensure that the movements of all persons on its premises are recorded.
“MACC buildings have been equipped with iron grilles in accordance with authority guidelines, while body cameras are mandatory during investigations to record all operations and ensure the integrity of investigating officers.
“MACC remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold integrity and transparency in all aspects of its duties and to continuously strengthen institutional reforms,” he said in a statement.