DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, party vice-chairman Teo Nie Ching, Selangor DAP chief Ng Sze Han, and Teoh’s former boss, Ean Yong Hian Wah, bowed for about one minute at the end of a press conference at DAP’s headquarters here.
Loke nonetheless urged Teoh’s family to consider accepting the “goodwill contribution” offered by the government over the death of the former political aide.
Loke said the offer made by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was being directly extended by the government, since it would involve government funds.
At the press conference, Loke added that the offer came with no conditions, and that Teoh’s family was free to continue pursuing justice for him.
“The government’s offer of a goodwill contribution is to support the welfare and educational needs of Teoh’s child. The government is prepared to fully entrust the management of the funds to Soh Cher Wei, Teoh’s widow.
“In the interest of safeguarding the child’s future, we sincerely hope that the Teoh family will consider accepting the contribution.
“Importantly, this support comes with no conditions. The Teoh family remains entirely free to exercise their right to speak out, including continuing to pursue justice for Teoh through any form of public advocacy,” said Loke.
Loke, the transport minister, said DAP had always been and remained committed to pursuing the truth behind Teoh’s death “based on legal principles”.
He also acknowledged the family’s disappointment that no one had yet been charged with killing Teoh, saying “DAP fully understands”.
He said DAP was ready to provide the family with full legal support at any time, or if new evidence in Teoh’s death were to surface.
“As the investigation remains incomplete and the results have yet to meet the expectations of Teoh’s family, DAP bows deeply to Teoh’s family in respect and sorrow,” he said.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki offered the goodwill contribution to Teoh’s family yesterday as a “gesture of compassion” over his death, which occurred 16 years ago.
Azam also apologised to the family for their pain and suffering over the years.
The family however rejected Azam’s offer and apology, describing them as insincere, impenitent, and a public relations exercise.
Loke said Azam’s apology was the first to be extended to Teoh’s family from MACC, and that it reflected the sincerity of the Madani government.
“This also shows transitional justice is demonstrated when state institutions acknowledge and reflect upon the harm they have caused in the past,” he said.
In a Facebook post later, Teoh’s sister, Lee Lan, expressed gratitude to DAP for sharing the family’s view on justice for the deceased. However, she reiterated that their main demands for truth and justice have yet to materialise.
She repeated her call for the authorities to bring in an international crime expert to lead fresh investigations into Teoh’s death.