FMT:
DAP risks losing support over Teoh Beng Hock issue, says Ronnie Liu
2 hours ago
Minderjeet Kaur and Sean Augustin
However, analyst James Chin does not think the Chinese community’s anger over the matter will translate into a loss of votes
Teoh Beng Hock’s family has every right to vent their anger and frustration given that the circumstances surrounding his death 16 years ago remains unresolved, says an analyst. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: A former DAP veteran has warned that the party risks losing supporters over its perceived failure to ensure that those implicated in Teoh Beng Hock’s death are brought to justice.
Ronnie Liu said the former aide’s untimely death in 2009 had galvanised DAP supporters, who believed the authorities “had done something bad”.
“When Teoh died, the federal government at the time didn’t go after the culprits. So DAP supporters went all out to back the party,” he told FMT.
Teoh, who served as political aide to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on July 16, 2009 while in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) custody.
On Jan 5, 2011, the Shah Alam coroner’s court delivered an open verdict, ruling that Teoh’s death was neither a suicide nor a homicide. The coroner also found no evidence of third-party involvement. The ruling was upheld by the High Court in December of the same year.
However, in 2014, the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling, holding that Teoh had died as a result of unlawful acts committed by persons unknown, including MACC officers.
In a judicial review application brought by Teoh’s family last year, the High Court issued a mandamus order directing the police to complete investigations within six months. It ruled that Teoh’s death was caused by unlawful acts involving MACC officers.
However, in May, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said “no further action” was warranted as police were unable to pin his death on anyone following a fresh investigation.
Ronnie Liu said the former aide’s untimely death in 2009 had galvanised DAP supporters, who believed the authorities “had done something bad”.
“When Teoh died, the federal government at the time didn’t go after the culprits. So DAP supporters went all out to back the party,” he told FMT.
Teoh, who served as political aide to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on July 16, 2009 while in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) custody.
On Jan 5, 2011, the Shah Alam coroner’s court delivered an open verdict, ruling that Teoh’s death was neither a suicide nor a homicide. The coroner also found no evidence of third-party involvement. The ruling was upheld by the High Court in December of the same year.
However, in 2014, the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling, holding that Teoh had died as a result of unlawful acts committed by persons unknown, including MACC officers.
In a judicial review application brought by Teoh’s family last year, the High Court issued a mandamus order directing the police to complete investigations within six months. It ruled that Teoh’s death was caused by unlawful acts involving MACC officers.
However, in May, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said “no further action” was warranted as police were unable to pin his death on anyone following a fresh investigation.
Ronnie Liu.
Liu said despite various government assurances, including those given while DAP had been part of the administration, nothing has been done, leading to dissatisfaction among supporters and members.
He warned that such dissatisfaction could trigger a boycott of DAP at the polls.
“From my observation, DAP gained support because people believed the party stood for justice. If it can’t uphold that anymore, it risks losing what made it strong in the first place.
“They may not vote for other parties but they won’t vote for DAP either. That’s the danger.”
Liu’s remarks came on the back of a recent public fallout between the DAP and Teoh’s family, after treasurer Ngeh Koo Ham accused Teoh’s sister of being ungrateful despite the party’s continued support.
Liu said despite various government assurances, including those given while DAP had been part of the administration, nothing has been done, leading to dissatisfaction among supporters and members.
He warned that such dissatisfaction could trigger a boycott of DAP at the polls.
“From my observation, DAP gained support because people believed the party stood for justice. If it can’t uphold that anymore, it risks losing what made it strong in the first place.
“They may not vote for other parties but they won’t vote for DAP either. That’s the danger.”
Liu’s remarks came on the back of a recent public fallout between the DAP and Teoh’s family, after treasurer Ngeh Koo Ham accused Teoh’s sister of being ungrateful despite the party’s continued support.
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has since apologised on behalf of the party, saying Ngeh’s comments did not reflect DAP’s position. Loke also acknowledged that the party owes a moral debt to the family.
Meanwhile, University of Tasmania’s James Chin acknowledged that the case has garnered a lot of sympathy for the family, especially from among the Chinese community However, he did not think the issue would affect DAP’s chances at the nationwide polls.
James Chin.
Chin said Teoh’s death was not viewed by the Chinese electorate as a political issue.
“While the Chinese community may be angry over the issue, I do not think they will base their decision on who they vote for on this issue when the time comes.
“There are other issues which they will consider to be more important,” he said when contacted.
Chin added that while a small segment of DAP supporters will blame the party for not doing anything, many others will feel that the case cannot be resolved as it “strikes at the heart of what I call the deep state”.
Despite this, Chin described Ngeh’s comment as “very foolish”, adding that Teoh’s family has every right to vent their anger and frustration without being attacked by the party given that the circumstances surrounding his death have remained unresolved for 16 years.
Chin said Teoh’s death was not viewed by the Chinese electorate as a political issue.
“While the Chinese community may be angry over the issue, I do not think they will base their decision on who they vote for on this issue when the time comes.
“There are other issues which they will consider to be more important,” he said when contacted.
Chin added that while a small segment of DAP supporters will blame the party for not doing anything, many others will feel that the case cannot be resolved as it “strikes at the heart of what I call the deep state”.
Despite this, Chin described Ngeh’s comment as “very foolish”, adding that Teoh’s family has every right to vent their anger and frustration without being attacked by the party given that the circumstances surrounding his death have remained unresolved for 16 years.
“It’s better for them (DAP) to keep quiet,” he said.
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