Political party DAP potentially faces loss of public backing due to Teoh Beng Hock matter, claims Ronnie Liu
The investigation into the death of Teoh Beng Hock, a former political aide who passed away under mysterious circumstances in 2009 while in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) custody, remains unresolved. This long-standing saga has both maintained and challenged public support for the Democratic Action Party (DAP), with many viewing the MACC's apology as insufficient without concrete action against those involved.
In a recent development, the Attorney-General's Chambers announced that "no further action" was warranted as police were unable to pin Teoh's death on anyone following a fresh investigation. This decision has been met with criticism from Teoh's family and supporters, who feel that justice has not been served.
University of Tasmania's James Chin stated that the Teoh case has garnered a lot of sympathy, especially from the Chinese community. However, Chin did not specify which other issues the Chinese electorate may consider more important when deciding who to vote for.
The DAP has been vocal about seeking truth and justice in this case, maintaining strong support for the family and pushing for continued investigations. DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook apologised on behalf of the party, stating that comments made by a party member did not reflect DAP's position and acknowledging a moral debt to the family.
However, some argue that the DAP's inability to deliver closure on this matter could impact their support, particularly if the perception grows that they are not effectively addressing the issue. DAP treasurer Ngeh Koo Ham accused Teoh's sister of being ungrateful for the party's continued support, a comment that Chin described as "very foolish" and stated that Teoh's family has every right to vent anger and frustration without being attacked by the party given the unresolved circumstances surrounding his death for 16 years.
Ronnie Liu, a DAP supporter, stated that supporters went all out to back the party after Teoh's death, believing the authorities "had done something bad". Liu warned that such dissatisfaction could trigger a boycott of DAP at the polls. Liu also stated that DAP risks losing support if it can't uphold the principles it stands for, particularly justice.
Chin did not believe the issue would affect DAP's chances at the nationwide polls, as the Chinese electorate does not view Teoh's death as a political issue. However, Chin did not indicate whether the public fallout between DAP and Teoh's family could trigger a boycott of DAP at the polls.
Overall, the case continues to be a sensitive and contentious issue in Malaysian politics, with the DAP seeking to balance its commitment to seeking truth and offering condolences with the potential impact on public support.
- The long-standing investigation into Teoh Beng Hock's death, a former political aide who passed away under mysterious circumstances while in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) custody, remains unresolved, challenging public support for the Democratic Action Party (DAP).
- The Attorney-General's Chambers recently announced that "no further action" was warranted in Teoh's case, a decision met with criticism from Teoh's family and supporters who feel that justice has not been served.
- DAP's vocal pursuit of truth and justice in this case has maintained strong support for the family, but some argue that the inability to deliver closure could impact DAP's support, particularly if the perception grows that they are not effectively addressing the issue.
- DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook apologised on behalf of the party for comments made by a party member that did not reflect DAP's position, acknowledging a moral debt to the family.
- Ronnie Liu, a DAP supporter, warned that such dissatisfaction could trigger a boycott of DAP at the polls, and DAP risks losing support if it can't uphold the principles it stands for, particularly justice.
