Loke said MACC’s apology was an acknowledgement of some level of responsibility for Teoh’s death and did not mean that the case was closed.
When asked if he viewed it as an admission of guilt, the minister said: “I will let MACC answer that.
“This has been outstanding for far too long. This is the first time MACC has made a public apology, and I think that’s the least they can do.
“It’s a responsibility that MACC has acknowledged – that Teoh died in their custody. That fact has been admitted by (MACC chief) Azam Baki, and that’s why the public apology was made.
“Like I said, the public apology is long overdue. But that doesn’t mean the case is closed. Other authorities, like the police, should continue to investigate,” he told reporters in a press conference at DAP’s headquarters here.
When asked what DAP was doing to pursue justice for Teoh, Loke said the party had always remained consistent in supporting Teoh’s family, especially through legal avenues.
“DAP has always provided legal support. At all times, their lawyer was Ramkarpal Singh, who is a DAP leader and part of our legal team. So I want to make it clear that DAP has always supported the family.
“We will continue to provide legal assistance whenever needed,” he said.
The Seremban MP also reiterated that the goodwill contribution being offered by the government via MACC “does not in any way mean that the case is closed”.
“The case remains unresolved and open,” he said.
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.
Multiple investigations were launched into the case, including one for wrongful confinement by police in 2019, but they were all classified as “no further action”.
Azam offered the goodwill contribution yesterday as a “gesture of compassion”, acknowledging that the incident had caused prolonged pain and suffering to Teoh’s family.
The family rejected Azam’s apology and offer, describing them as a publicity stunt.