Kuala lumpur: The public apology extended by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to Teoh Beng Hock’s family yesterday was long overdue, said DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke. This marks the first public apology the MACC has made to the Teoh family in 16 years, reflecting what Loke describes as the sincerity of the MADANI government. He emphasized that the apology signifies a step toward transitional justice, with state institutions acknowledging and reflecting upon past harms.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MACC has also offered a goodwill contribution to support the welfare and educational needs of Teoh’s 15-year-old son. Loke noted that the government is prepared to fully entrust the management of these funds to Soh Cher Wei, Teoh’s widow. He expressed hope that the family would consider accepting the contribution, which comes with no conditions. The family is entirely free to continue their pursuit of justice for Teoh, including public advocacy efforts.

Loke clarified that the goodwill contribution is not intended to suggest closure or imply satisfaction on the family’s part but serves as governmental aid for Teoh’s son. Despite the offer, the Teoh family had earlier rejected it. Loke reaffirmed DAP’s commitment to supporting the Teoh family through legal avenues and emphasized that the party would continue to pursue justice should new evidence emerge.

He also announced that Selangor DAP will organize a memorial event on July 27 to honor Teoh. The apology from MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki highlighted the commission’s lessons learned from Teoh’s tragic death 16 years ago and its commitment to addressing past failings and restoring public trust.

Teoh Beng Hock, who served as the political secretary to then Seri Kembangan state assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, was found dead on July 16, 2009, at Plaza Masalam after giving a statement at the MACC office in Shah Alam.