Royal Commission to probe MACC

(The Malaysian Insider) PUTRAJAYA, July 22 — The Cabinet today took the only option available and agreed to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspicious death of DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock.

It also ordered the lead investigator of the graft probe against Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) executive councilors reassigned, in what is an effective suspension of duties.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the commission would look into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation procedures and whether Teoh Beng Hock’s human rights were violated, giving in to the tremendous public outcry.

“A Royal Commission of Inquiry will be formed with specific terms of reference, to study the regulations on investigations used by MACC and to determine whether there were human rights violations during Teoh’s interrogation,” said Najib reading from a prepared statement.

Speaking at a press conference here, Najib also said that an inquest to be presided over by a magistrate will begin next week to investigate Teoh’s death.

“We have taken steps to notify the courts of the need to convene the inquest, I expect the inquest to start sometime in the middle of next week,” said Najib.

He also pledged that the outcome of the ongoing police probe would be announced to the public.

“I’d like to stress that the government will do everything necessary to look for the truth, and I will personally inform Teoh’s family the outcome of the investigations,” said Najib.

When asked whether investigations against Selangor lawmakers will continue, Najib said it is up to the MACC to decide.

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