DAP to hold first post-election CEC meeting, Beng Hock case in spotlight

DAP to hold first post-election CEC meeting, Beng Hock case in spotlight

Lee Way Loon
Published: Jun 18, 2025 10:00 AM
Updated: Jun 19, 2025 1:04 AM



Summary

• The DAP CEC meeting scheduled for next Monday, June 23, is expected to discuss the Teoh Beng Hock case along with internal party matters.

• One DAP leader opines that the case must be resolved, or “we will have no face to meet the people”.

• Next Monday’s CEC meeting was originally intended to focus on internal party matters, in particular the appointment of 10 members to the powerful committee.

DAP is set to hold its first Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting next week since its internal election in mid-March.

While DAP initially intended to focus on party affairs, recent developments surrounding the Teoh Beng Hock case have drawn intense attention, with both party insiders and the public eager to see if the issue will also be discussed.

Sources told Malaysiakini that CEC members have already received notice for the meeting scheduled for next Monday (June 23).

Although the official agenda has yet to be issued, one CEC member believes that apart from party matters, the meeting is likely to deliberate on Beng Hock’s case.

Two other DAP leaders, who are not on the CEC, opined that the committee should discuss the matter.


‘DAP has changed’

One revealed that, unlike before, DAP now rarely convenes meetings with its elected representatives and leaders to discuss pressing issues, which has made it difficult for them to explain certain matters to party members and the public.

The late Teoh Beng Hock


Another leader said that at the upcoming meeting, the CEC should decide to seek a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to address the case.

“It must be resolved, or we will have no face to meet the people,” the leader said.

The leader explained that by “resolved”, they mean the relevant authorities must investigate those involved for murder or culpable homicide, and clarify whether the implicated MACC officers have been probed.

“For DAP, Beng Hock’s case is not just another social issue. The party is also a victim, as he was our member.

“This is not like a campaign promise to recognise the UEC (United Examination Certificate) or abolish highway tolls. This case goes to the heart of our principles.

“We, together with Beng Hock’s family, are seeking justice as fellow victims. Now that we are in government, we cannot stand on the opposite side.

“It is not Lee Lan or the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement who have changed - it is DAP that now appears to have changed,” the source said.

The leader argued that DAP should use its political strength to pressure the government to give the family an explanation.

With Teoh Beng Hock’s death anniversary coming up on July 16, DAP is in an awkward position on whether to hold the customary memorial


“What is most unacceptable is that the enforcement agencies appear to have brushed this off lightly. With DAP’s political influence, we should push this further.

“Transitional justice requires political will to intervene and correct injustices and biases,” the leader said.


Interesting timing

The CEC meeting was originally supposed to take place much earlier, but was delayed due to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia in April and the Asean Summit at the end of May.

As a result, its timing now appears more “interesting”.

Late last month, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) classified the Beng Hock case as “no further action” (NFA).

Following this, his family has repeatedly denounced Pakatan Harapan - especially DAP - for breaking its promises.

Next month, on July 16, the case will mark its 16th anniversary, putting the party in an awkward position over whether to hold the customary memorial like previous years.

In 2009, Beng Hock, an aide to then-Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead after overnight questioning at Selangor MACC, which was then headquartered at Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam.

Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement chairperson Ng Yap Hwa

A 2011 Royal Commission of Inquiry ruled that he was driven to suicide due to aggressive interrogation.

However, in 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled his death was caused or accelerated by unlawful acts, including those of MACC officers.

On May 25, Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement chairperson Ng Yap Hwa called on DAP’s five ministers to resign in protest over the NFA decision.

On June 8, DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo and the party’s secretary-general Anthony Loke issued a joint statement on behalf of the CEC, calling on the AGC to review the decision.

In a Malaysiakini podcast last week, Lee Lan questioned Harapan’s commitment to securing justice for her brother’s case.


DAP internal reforms

Next Monday’s CEC meeting was originally intended to focus on internal party matters, in particular the appointment of ten members to the powerful committee.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke

In early April, Loke told a Malaysiakini podcast that the meeting would also discuss the operation of new bureaus - election, strategy and policy.

Additionally, the CEC is expected to deliberate on revamping the party’s often-criticised candidate selection process.

Loke outlined these reforms during the party congress in March, which will be a key focus during his second term as secretary-general.