Ex-aide’s claims against Teresa Kok spark corruption controversy
SEPUTEH MP and DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok Suh Sim is under increasing pressure as allegations of corruption involving her former aides, coupled with questions over her credibility, dominate political discourse.
The issue stems from an ongoing investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into two of Kok’s ex-staff members including Edmund Teoh Kheng Yaik, who were recently remanded over claims of soliciting and accepting a RM500,000 bribe.
Now the unfolding scandal has raised questions about Kok’s involvement and oversight amid claims of the potential existence of audio evidence that could substantiate her ex-aide’s defence.
Kok was reportedly aware of procurement irregularities as early as October 2024 when she found that RM99,000 was allocated per school for equipment that actually cost RM55,299, leading to an estimated RM699,216 overpayment across 16 schools.
The controversy involves allegations of financial misconduct related to her parliamentary constituency development funds.
According to MACC sources, a RM500,000 bribe was allegedly tied to approving a RM1.5mil funding application for supplying interactive smartboards to Kuala Lumpur schools.
Despite this knowledge, Kok did not report the matter to the MACC. Instead, she terminated the employment of the implicated staff members including Teoh, last year without escalating the issue to authorities.
Her silence has drawn sharp criticism, with UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi accusing her of attempting to “cover up” the misconduct.
Kok’s subsequent claim that neither she nor her staff reported the matter to the MACC has only fuelled speculation about her role, with critics questioning why she failed to act on such a significant breach of public trust.
Adding to the complexity, Teoh, a former DAP leader and one of the remanded aides, recently issued a statement denying the bribery allegations. — March 15, 2025
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