On 16 July 2009, Teoh Beng Hock, a 30-year-old political aide, was found dead under suspicious circumstances on the fifth-floor rooftop of Plaza Masalam, beneath the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Selangor office, where he had been interrogated overnight as a witness in an investigation into alleged misuse of state funds. He was subjected to prolonged, late-night questioning without rest—an oppressive and unlawful practice. His death sparked national and international outrage, raising serious concerns about abuse of power, custodial violence, and the lack of accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Investigation and “NFA” decision
A 2011 Royal Commission of Inquiry inquest concluded that Teoh Beng Hock committed suicide, but under extreme psychological pressure inflicted by MACC officers.
The subsequent Court of Appeal decision in 2014 was a critical turning point. It legally acknowledged that Teoh Beng Hock’s death was not self-inflicted, but the result of unlawful actions, including by MACC officers. While the Court did not list formal recommendations, its ruling demanded a proper criminal investigation, individual accountability, interrogation reform, and systemic oversight — none of which were adequately acted upon.
The reinvestigation officially began in 2014 following the Court of Appeal’s directive, and in May 2025, the Attorney‑General’s Chambers (AGC) classified the reinvestigation into Teoh Beng Hock’s death as “No Further Action (NFA), concluding there was insufficient evidence to charge any individual under the law.
Over this 11-year span, despite multiple efforts by civil society and Teoh Beng Hock’s family to call for the proper investigation of the case and a court finding of criminal wrongdoing, no one was held accountable, and the MACC officers implicated were never charged. More than a decade later, justice remains elusive for Teoh Beng Hock and his family.
What can you do to help?
Sign the petition and urge the Malaysian authorities to take immediate, transparent and meaningful action to ensure justice for Teoh Beng Hock. Justice delayed is justice denied. Stand in solidarity with Teoh Beng Hock’s family and all victims of custodial abuse.
Recent developments
- High Court Directive: On 21 November 2024, the Kuala Lumpur High Court issued a mandamus order directing the police to reopen and thoroughly reinvestigate all aspects of Teoh Beng Hock’s death after ruling that the original inquest’s open verdict was inadequate, concluding instead that his death was caused by unlawful acts involving MACC officers. Citing oppressive interrogation methods and violations of his constitutional right to life under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution, the court criticized the lack of accountability and called for a proper criminal investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. The ruling overturned earlier findings and demanded renewed efforts to pursue justice in light of clear evidence of misconduct. The police were instructed to complete the investigation within six months, with a deadline set for May 2025.
- Witness Recall: In January 2025, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain announced plans to recall over 40 witnesses, including those who may have returned to their home countries. The police also intended to revisit the crime scene and utilize 3D scanning technology to reconstruct the incident digitally.
- Police announce “No Further Action”: On 20 May 2025, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) directed that no further action (NFA) be taken in connection with the death of Teoh Beng Hock. “A review of all the evidence found insufficient proof to establish any offence against any individual under the law. Therefore, the instruction given is for no further action to be taken in relation to this investigation paper,” it said in a recent statement.
- Family’s Response: On 22 May 2025, Teoh Beng Hock’s family issued a statement expressing their disappointment over the Attorney General’s Chambers’ decision to classify the case under NFA. They criticized the authorities for ignoring key findings from the 2014 Court of Appeal ruling and for failing to prosecute MACC officers implicated in his death.
- Civil society backs Teoh family: On 3 June 2025, around one hundred citizens gathered at the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall to express solidarity with Teoh Beng Hock family.17 civil society organization leaders rejected the NFA decision and demanded accountability from the government in this case.