Teoh kena marah dalam tandas SPRM

Saksi dengar suara Ahli Majlis Perbandaran Kajang

SHAH ALAM: Seorang pegawai Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) memberitahu prosiding inkues kematian Teoh Beng Hock, beliau terdengar Ahli Majlis Perbandaran Kajang Tan Boon Wah memarahi Teoh dengan suara yang kuat dan tinggi di dalam tandas pejabat SPRM Selangor, beberapa jam sebelum Teoh ditemui mati.

Penolong Penguasa SPRM Putrajaya, Bulkani Paharuddin, berkata kejadian itu berlaku kira-kira jam 2.30 pagi ketika beliau mengiringi Tan ke tandas.

"Sewaktu Tan masuk ke dalam tandas, saya berdiri di luar pintu tandas dan tidak lama selepas itu seorang lelaki Cina yang berseluar putih dan berbaju gelap (Teoh) datang dari arah bertentangan saya dan terus memasuki tandas yang sama.

"Ketika saya pusing nak berjalan semula ke arah pantri saya terdengar suara Tan memarahi lelaki berbaju gelap dan berseluar putih dalam bahasa Mandarin dengan menyebut 'Ni Lor' iaitu 'Awaklah' dalam nada kuat dan tinggi. Bagaimanapun saya tidak mendengar respons atau jawapan daripada seorang lagi lelaki itu (Teoh)," katanya.

Bulkani kemudian menjelaskan beliau memahami bahasa Mandarin kerana pernah mendapat pendidikan di sekolah Cina dari Darjah Satu sehingga Darjah Enam.

Teoh, 30, setiausaha politik kepada Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Kampung Baru dan Pengurusan Kilang Haram Selangor, Ean Yong Hian Wah, ditemui mati pada 16 Julai lepas di tingkat lima Plaza Masalam di sini selepas memberi keterangan sebagai saksi siasatan penyalahgunaan wang kerajaan negeri Selangor kepada SPRM Selangor yang berpejabat di plaza itu.

Kepada soalan peguam Tan Hock Chuan yang mewakili kerajaan Malaysia berapa lama insiden itu berlaku, saksi itu berkata beliau hanya berada di luar tandas kira-kira dua minit sebelum berjalan ke pantri untuk menghabiskan makanan yang ditinggalkannya ketika mengiringi Tan ke tandas. - Berita Harian

Teoh agak resah ketika percakapan dirakam: Saksi

SHAH ALAM: Prosiding inkues kematian Teoh Beng Hock di sini hari ini diberitahu mendiang kelihatan agak resah ketika pegawai Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) mula merakam percakapannya sebagai saksi siasatan dakwaan salahguna wang peruntukan kerajaan negeri Selangor pada 16 Julai lalu.

Penolong Kanan Penguasa SPRM Selangor, Mohd Nadzri Ibrahim, bagaimanapun berkata Teoh mula kelihatan tenang pada pertengahan rakaman percakapan dilakukan sehingga proses yang mengambil masa dua jam itu berakhir kira-kira pukul 3.30 pagi.

Beliau yang bertanggungjawab merakam percakapan Teoh berkata, sepanjang proses itu tangan mendiang tidak digari dan beliau juga tidak nampak sebarang kecederaan dialami oleh Teoh.

Mohd Nadzri yang juga saksi ke-21 seterusnya berkata proses rakaman percakapan Teoh dihentikan seketika pada jam 2.30 pagi kerana mendiang ingin ke tandas dan proses rakaman disambung semula kira-kira lima minit selepas itu. - Bernama

"Selepas proses rakaman selesai, saya suruh Teoh pulang dan datang semula bawa dokumen berkaitan yang lain tetapi dia minta untuk berehat sekejap, (ketika itu) kira-kira jam 3.50 pagi.

"Kali terakhir saya nampak Teoh berada di atas sofa depan bilik pemangku Penguasa Kanan SPRM Selangor Mohd Anuar Ismail sebelum saya balik ke rumah kira-kira pukul 3.55 pagi," katanya. - Berita Harian

Teoh Inquest: Another access into MACC office

SHAH ALAM: The inquest was told of another route to get into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office in Plaza Masalam.

MACC acting Superintendent Raymond Nion said he used the longer route to leave his office on the day Teoh Beng Hock was found dead as he had left his access card at home, thus could not use the shorter way.

The inquest also heard that Teoh had an argument with someone in the toilet of the MACC.

Coroner Azmil Munthapa Abas adjourned the inquest to Sept 29 to allow the Hari Raya break.

Below is an account of what transpired:

1.45pm: Malik asks for Teoh’s x-ray and to look into the access records of the MACC as Raymond had mentioned of using another entrance to gain access to the office.

1.35pm: Magistrate asks Raymond to show the route he used to get out of the office on the office layout sketch.

Raymond said he used the longer route as he left his access card at home that day and could not use the shorter way.

Gobind said it is Hari Raya and many people were involved (in the case) and suggested that the inquest be postponed until after the festival.

Magistrate adjourns inquest to Sept 29.

1.30pm: When cross examined by Gobind later, Raymond said before leaving the building, he was in his room and did not detour and had passed by Teoh on his way out.

1.20pm: Raymond said he returned to the office as he had to go to the Petaling Jaya courts. He said there was no one near Teoh when he saw Teoh on the sofa. He later identified himself leaving the office in the CCTV photo. He also identifies other people in a CCTV photograph.

1.05pm: Acting Superintendent Raymond Nion said he was at MACC office until 6am on July 16. He saw Teoh with a Chinese man at 12.30am. Did not know the man. He saw Teoh again at 6am lying on the sofa in front of Mohd Nadzri's office. He knew the time as it was the time he left the office.

12.55pm: Abdul Razak examines witness. ASP Bulkini said he reached the toilet with Tan before the man in white pants did. He said he was in Chinese school in Year One to Six so he understands Mandarin.

12.50pm: Gobind cross-examines. ASP Bulkini said he assumed that the person talking in the toilet to be Tan. He said he did not see the man in white pants pass the pantry. He said he did not enter the toilet or wait outside, so he did not know how many people were in there.

12.45pm: ASP Bulkini said the man was as tall as Tan. When DPP Tan asked if he could identify Teoh's shoes, ASP Bulkini said he could if shown a picture of it.

12.40pm: ASP Bulkini said he understood Mandarin but not fluent and knew what Tan said in the toilet. He said it was 'Ni Lor' meaning "awak, lah" (It's you).

ASP Bulkini said he turned away to go back to the pantry. Five minutes later, he saw Tan walking pass the pantry but did not know what happened to man in white pants.

12.30pm: ASP Bulkini said he and others officers went to (Kajang municipal councillor) Tan Boon Hwa's house near Balakong and brought him back for questioning at Plaza Masalam at 10pm.

Tan was asked to wait in the visitors' room. The next time he saw Tan was at the pantry when he asked for directions to the toilet at 2.30am.

He said Tan did not understand the directions, so he showed him the way to the toilet. He said he did not go into the toilet but saw a man in white pants and dark top went into the toilet after Tan. He did not know who the man was.

ASP Bulkani said he then heard an angry voice 'scolding' in Mandarin. He was not sure if there was a reply.

12.25pm: Inquest resumes. Asst Supt (ASP) Bulkini Paharuddin of MACC takes the stand.

11.30am: Inquest takes a break.

11.25am: Mohd Nadzri said Teoh did not complain about being beaten during the recording of statement. He said he found out that Teoh had died at 2pm (later in the day) when he was returning to the office.

11.15am: Mohd Nadzri said he did not follow Teoh to the toilet as Teoh knew the way there. He said he did not invite Teoh to leave the building with him when he left as Teoh wanted to rest.

11.05am: Mohd Nadzri said Teoh's bag was outside the room when the statement was being taken. Not sure if Teoh brought his handphone into the room. Teoh's bag was at the sofa when he left Teoh.

11.00am: Malek Imtiaz examines witness. Mohd Nadzri said he received instructions from investigation unit chief and a briefing was given to MACC officers at around midnight. During the briefing, Mohd Nadzri was asked to take Teoh's statement.

10.55am: Mohd Nadzri said Teoh told him he was single. Teoh also said he was about to get married. He agrees that there were incomplete documents.

Gobind: So there was no reason to take his statement at those hours when you were willing to let him come back with the documents.

Mohd Nadzri: I have to record statement as I was afraid Teoh would change his statement.

Gobind: Teoh does not need to be kept there and could come back another day.

Mohd Nadzri: I agree (reluctantly).

Gobind: You wanted to use force to record such a statement to tie up the case.

Mohd Nadzri: I do not agree with (Gobind's) conclusion.

10.45am: Mohd Nadzri said it was important for him to know if a witness is tired.

He, however, kept silent when Gobind said that although Teoh seemed agitated and was under severe pressure he (Mohd Nadzri) did not ask Teoh how he felt for fear that the fact would be recorded.

He was also quiet when Gobind said he was supposed to check if the suspect was injured and questioned if there were cases where the suspects were beaten.

10.40am: Gobind asked the importance of giving a statement voluntarily. Mohd Nadzri agreed that it would ensure only the truth.

He agreed with Gobind that statement given under duress would not be the truth, that the surrounding circumstances could have an effect on a witness.

Mohd Nadzri agreed that a statement taken late at night or early morning could have an effect on the witness and said it was important to know if the witness was tired.

10.35am: When cross examined by Gobind, Mohd Nadzri said he was a factory worker before he joined the MACC. He said he did not have experience in recording statements before joining the commission and was trained for it in 2000.

He said he now has nine years of experience in recording statements and explained to Gobind the difference between taking the statement of a witness and a suspect.

10.30am: Abdul Razak asked that Teoh's witness document be tendered in court. Mohd Nadzri identifies the documents. Teoh's initial was on every page, the last page had photocopy of Teoh's IC.

10.25am: Mohd Nadzri said during the recording of statement, the IO came into the room between 2am and 2.30am. No other officers entered the room.

Mohd Nadzri said after leaving the room he did not have any more dealings with Teoh.

10.20am: Mohd Nadzri told Teoh to bring relevant documents on another day. At 3.50am, Teoh told Mohd Nadzri that he wanted to rest. Teoh did not say why. Mohd Nadzri said he left the office at 3.55am. He said he last saw Teoh on the sofa in front of the IO's office.

10.15am: Mohd Nadzri said after the recording was completed at 3.30am, he asked Teoh to read and check it after which he was asked to read a printed copy as well. He said Teoh signed the copy.

After this, he said he went in search of the investigating officer (IO) at the surau to pass him the statement and to get further instructions and also to inform him that he wanted to go home.

The IO had told him that he wanted Teoh to go home to collect some relevant documents.

10.10am: Mohd Nadzri said he took Teoh to his room to record his statement and completed doing so at about 3.30am. He added that the door of the room was left opened when Teoh’s statement was taken.

He admitted that Teoh seemed agitated at first but was calm later at the end of the recording of the statement while giving full cooperation.

He also said that Teoh was not handcuffed during this time, adding that he did not ask Teoh if he was injured nor did he notice if Teoh was injured.

Mohd Nadzri also said that Teoh carried a bag when he entered his room.

10.05am: Witness went on to say that he invited Teoh based on a directive but does not remember if Teoh was accompanied by anyone when Teoh was at a sofa at the office.

Neither could he remember Teoh’s condition at the time when he approached him (Teoh) at the sofa.

10am: Mohd Nadzri said he was on standby to record Teoh’s statement at about 1am, adding that he invited Teoh to his room.

At this stage a sketch of the layout of the MACC office is being passed around to the lawyers in court following which Mohd Nadzri identifies his room in the MACC building.

9.55am: Magistrate said hearing can move on with another witness. Mohd Nadzri Ibrahim, a recording officer with the MACC takes the stand. Tan Hock Chuan begins to question the witness.

9.50am: Abdul Razak ask for a postponement of the inquest as he has yet to get anyone to verify the authenticity of some photos (showing Sivanesan's injuries) submitted.

But Gobind Singh Deo said the inquest should continue as there is an order from the Shah Alam High Court for it to continue. He said at first there was a rush to do the inquest but when there is a witness to testify on the heart of the matter there seems to be a delay.

He added that the inquest could proceed with other witnesses if there is no cross examination on Sivanesan. Malik Imtiaz Sarwar backed this point.

9.40am: Inquest begins

9.15am: Witness T. Sivanesan arrives in court with family.

9.10am: Teoh's family arrive in court. His mother is seen holding Teoh's framed photograph. - The Star

Teoh inquest adjourned to Sept 17 (Updated)

SHAH ALAM: The inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock was adjourned to Sept 17 to allow time for lawyers representing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to prepare their cross-examination of a witness who has alleged he was tortured.

Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas granted the request by Datuk Abdul Razak Musa, who is holding a watching brief for the MACC.

Abdul Razak also told the coroner that the MACC was going to file an appeal notice at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya against the Petaling Jaya High Court on Thursday that had dismissed their leave application for a judicial review.

The application that was dismissed sought to prevent “mystery witness” T. Sivanesan, 22, from testifying at the inquest on the grounds that it had no relevance to the inquest and was merely aimed at tarnishing and smearing the MACC’s image.

Sivanesan, an assistant manager with Puncak Rezeki Makmur Sdn Bhd, first took the stand on Wednesday. He claimed then that he was beaten with an iron rod and suffered injuries to his head, kidneys and genital area during an MACC interrogation in September last year.

Abdul Razak filed an application for a judicial review under Section 323 of the Criminal Procedure Code to stop Sivanesan from testifying.

The application also sought to expunge Sivanesan’s testimony together with a police report and a set of photographs of his injuries.

On Thursday, the Petaling Jaya High Court dismissed the application. Justice Datin Yeoh Wee Siam said in her ruling that there was nothing illegal, incorrect or improper with the ruling made by Azmil Muntapha on Tuesday that allowed the testimony.

Yeoh also rejected a stay of application by deputy public prosecutor Manoj Kurup, who had submitted to the court that the objections were based solely on the grounds that Sivanesan’s testimony would not assist the Coroner in the inquest but would be prejudicial to the MACC.

Gobind Singh Deo, who is representing Teoh’s family in the proceedings, had submitted that the Coroner should be allowed to conduct the inquest the way he sees fit.

He said the Coroner was dutybound to look into all matters necessary as to how the deceased died and this includes hearsay.

Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor executive councilor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was summoned to the MACC office located on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam here on July 15 to be questioned over the alleged irregular disbursement of state funds.

He was found dead at the building’s fifth floor service corridor the following day.

In his ruling on Tuesday, Azmil Muntapha said Sivanesan’s testimony was relevant as the alleged torture took place at the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam and the same officers could have been involved in both incidents. - The Star

Torture testimony ruled relevant (Update)

PETALING JAYA: The High Court here dismissed an application for a judicial review to stop a witness in the Teoh Beng Hock inquest from testifying.

The application was filed by Datuk Abdul Razak Muda, who is holding a watching brief for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to stop T. Sivanesan from testifying in the inquest.

Sivanesan alleged he had been tortured by Selangor MACC officers in Plaza Masalam in September last year.

On Wednesday, coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas allowed Sivanesan to testify despite objections by Abdul Razak as he (Azmil) had earlier ruled on Tuesday that Sivanesan’s report was relevant to the case as his alleged torture took place at Plaza Masalam and the officers involved could be the same men who interrogated Teoh.

On Thursday PJ High Court judge Justice Yeoh Wee Siam ruled that there was nothing illegal, incorrect or improper with the coroner’s ruling and asked all parties to proceed with the inquest.

The inquest, being held at the Shah Alam Magistrates Court, however has been adjourned to 9am Friday.

Sivanesan’s testimony on Wednesday could have been expunged if the High Court had ruled that his evidence was not relevant.

Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor executive councilor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was summoned to the MACC office located on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam here on July 15 to be questioned over the alleged irregular disbursement of state funds.

He was found dead at the building’s fifth floor service corridor the following day. - The Star

High Court to review witness

SHAH ALAM: Political aide Teoh Beng Hock’s death inquest is delayed pending a decision by the Petaling Jaya High Court on a judicial review application by Datuk Abdul Razak Muda, who is holding a watching brief for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency.

The revision application is to stop T. Sivanesan, who alleged being tortured by Selangor MACC officers in Plaza Masalam in September last year, from testifying in the inquest.

Sivanesan’s testimony on Wednesday could be expunged if the Petaling Jaya High Court rules that his evidence is not relevant to the inquest.

On Wednesday, coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas allowed Sivanesan to testify despite objections by Abdul Razak as he (Azmil) had earlier ruled on Tuesday that Sivanesan’s report was relevant to the case as his alleged torture took place at Plaza Masalam and the officers involved could be the same men who interrogated Teoh.

Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor executive councilor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was summoned to the MACC office located on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam here on July 15 to be questioned over the alleged irregular disbursement of state funds.

He was found dead at the building’s fifth floor service corridor the following day. - The Star

Lima pegawai SPRM buat laporan polis di IPD Shah Alam

SHAH ALAM 9 Sept. — Lima pegawai Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) termasuk Mohd. Ashraf Mohd. Yunus yang merupakan seorang saksi di dalam inkues bagi menyiasat punca kematian Teoh Beng Hock membuat laporan polis di Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Shah Alam di sini hari ini.

Pengarah SPRM Selangor, Jaafar Mahad memberitahu para wartawan di luar Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah di sini bahawa kelima-lima pegawainya itu membuat laporan polis pada pukul 4.30 petang tadi bagi menafikan para pegawainya menggunakan kekerasan semasa menyoal siasat suspek. - Utusan

Mystery man talks of torture (Updated)

SHAH ALAM: The ‘mystery witness’ at the inquest into political aide Teoh Beng Hock’s death told the court he was tortured and abused by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers in September last year.

T. Sivanesan, the 23-year-old assistant manager of Puncak Rezeki Makmur Sdn Bhd, took the stand as the 20th witness on Wednesday.

He lodged a report on Sept 11 last year, about 10 months before Teoh’s death. He was a suspect in an MACC invesitgation, while Teoh was a witness.

In the report, he alleged abuse and torture by MACC officers during interrogation, including being hit with a steel rod wrapped in newspaper and being stripped naked.

Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor executive councilor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was summoned to the MACC office located on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam here on July 15 to be questioned over the alleged irregular disbursement of state funds.

He was found dead at the building’s fifth floor service corridor the following day.

On Wednesday, when questioned by Gobind Singh Deo, who is holding a watching brief for Teoh’s family, Sivanesan said three men known only as Zulkifli, Ashraf and “J” went to his house in September last year and asked him to follow them to help in an investigation.

He said he was detained at the Selangor MACC office at Plaza Masalam from Sept 4 to 9 in 2008.

He said that at the MACC office, he saw an officer wearing glasses wrapping a newspaper around a steel rod. The officer then put the rod down and slapped his cheek, saying, “You ni keras kepala (You are stubborn).”

Sivanesan said he was asked to strip to his under-garments. The officer known as Ashraf then started to kick, punch and slap him repeatedly while he was handcuffed.

He added that his ankles were also handcuffed after he became more aggressive when expletives touching on race were uttered.

Sivanesan then showed the court a piece torn underwear which he said he was wearing when he was beaten on his private parts.

He said he was treated for injuries sustained in the head, kidneys and private parts at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah.

Sivanesan said he lodged complaints with the police, civil advocacy non-governmental organisation Suaram, the human rights commission Suhakam and Datuk T. Murugiah at the Public Complaints Bureau.

He said as far as he knows, only the bureau investigated the matter.

Court adjourned to 9am Thursday.

Here’s what transpired earlier Wednesday:

1.40pm: Court adjourns to 9am Thursday.

1.35pm: Questioning ends. Sivanesan gets up and seats with family at the public gallery.

1.23pm: Sivanesan complained to Suaram, police, Suhakam and to (Datuk) T. Murugiah at the Public Complaints Bureau.

He said as far as he knows, only the bureau investigated the matter.

1.20pm: Sivanesan stands up and shows to court a torn underwear he wore when he was beaten at his private parts.

1.15pm: Sivanesan said he was detained at the Selangor MACC office at Plaza Masalam from Sept 4 to 9 in 2008.

He said he was treated for injuries sustained at head, kidneys and private parts at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah.

12.50pm: Sivanesan said he was asked to strip to his under garments.

He said Ashraf then started to kick, punch and slap him repeatedly while he was handcuffed.

He added that his ankles were also handcuffed after he became more aggressive when expletives touching on race were uttered.

12.47pm: Sivanesan says he was taken to MACC office. He saw an officer wearing glasses wrapping a steel rod with newspaper.

The steel rod, he said, is the one seen on ceilings of buildings under construction.

The officer, he said, then put the rod down and slapped sivanasan’s cheek saying: “You ni keras kepala” (You are stubborn).

12.34pm: T. Sivanesan, 23, takes the stand as the 20th witness in the inquest.

Questioned by Gobind, he says three men known only as Zulkifli, Ashraf and “J” went to his house and asked him to follow them to help in investigation.

12.31pm: Coroner says the witness can be called to take the stand and MACC can file in its application for a review at the same time.

12.13pm: Abdul Razak said he is going to apply to the High Court for a review of coroner's ruling on Tuesday that the report is relevant and the witness can testify.

Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, representing the Selangor state government gets up saying that Abdul Razak could have thought of doing that on Tuesday.

"This is a last minute effort to derail the inquest," he said.

12.10pm: Gobind says the court had been stagnant for two days because of Abdul Razak.

“We are prepared to proceed. You said Ashraf’s name wasn’t in the report. You told us to prepare our witness; when we have, you say it is irrelevant,” stated Gobind.

12.05pm: Abdul Razak says there should not be a problem for witnesses to come to court to testify.

Questioning the mystery witness’ seat in the public gallery, he said:

"Maybe they want to expose his identity today.”

To this Gobind stands up and shouts: “What are you trying to say?”

11.50am: Gobind said he cannot guarantee that the witness would be available the next time he is called to testify because most witnesses are reluctant to appear in public on allegations against the MACC.

“They don’t even want to give their names. But today we have a witness willing to come forward and is sitting here,” he said.

11.40am: Court resumes with coroner saying that he did mention MACC’s stand that the report is irrelevant. However, that is not his stand on the matter.

10.53am: Court takes a short break for coroner to view recordings of Tuesday’s proceedings.

10.25am: Gobind points out that the 19th witness, Selangor MACC officer Mohd Ashraff Mohd Yunus, 25, was not called by the police.

"What pending investigation is he (Abdul Razak) talking about if the witness was not called by the police," asked Gobind.

10.20am: Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas says he is standing by his decision made on Tuesday to allow him to testify as his report has relevance to the facts of the inquest.

He, however, also agrees with Abdul Razak that the case in the report is still under investigation.

10.15am: Datuk Abdul Razak Muda, who is holding a watching brief for the MACC says that before court allows the mystery witness to testify, it must take into consideration that the report was lodged 10 months before Teoh's death, which is too huge a gap.

10.12am: Counsel Gobind Singh says the mystery witness is in court and ready to testify.

9.45am: Day 18 of Teoh’s inquest begins. The "mystery witness" is in court sitting at the public gallery wearing a white shirt and grey pants. He is seated with his family.

This is considered odd as witnesses are supposed to sit at a room specially allocated to them. - The Star

SPRM fail permohonan semak keputusan koroner

SHAH ALAM: Keterangan T Sivanesan, lelaki yang mendakwa didera pegawai Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) yang sepatutnya didengar dalam prosiding inkues awal pagi tadi, tertangguh tiga jam berikutan pertikaian antara peguam terbabit mengenai isu kehadiran saksi itu ke mahkamah.

Ekoran itu, SPRM hari ini memfailkan permohonan ke Mahkamah Tinggi bagi menyemak semula keputusan koroner yang membenarkan laporan polis oleh Sivanesan mengenai dakwaan itu dikemukakan dalam prosiding inkues dan keputusan membenarkan saksi itu memberi keterangannya di mahkamah bagi membantu siasatan punca kematian setiausaha politik Exco Selangor, Teoh Beng Hock.

Permohonan yang difailkan jam 12.30 tengah hari di pejabat pendaftaran Mahkamah Tinggi di sini itu, dibuat setelah koroner Azmel Muntapha Abas semalam memutuskan bahawa laporan polis bertarikh 11 Sept tahun lalu oleh saksi itu adalah relevan dalam prosiding inkues ini.

Semalam peguam Gobind Singh Deo, bagi keluarga Teoh, memberitahu mahkamah beliau akan memanggil pengadu itu hari ini untuk memberi keterangan bagi membuktikan dakwaan kononnya pegawai SPRM menggunakan kekerasan termasuk menampar dan memukul saksi dengan besi ketika melakukan soal siasat di pejabat SPRM.

Bagaimanapun pada prosiding pagi tadi, Sivanesan hanya dapat memberikan keterangannya pada jam 12.30 tengah hari ekoran perbalahan berlarutan antara peguam SPRM, Datuk Abdul Razak Musa, Gobind dan peguam mewakili kerajaan Selangor, Malik Imtiaz Sarwar.

Abdul Razak hari ini meminta koroner menyemak semula keputusannya semalam atas alasan bahawa laporan polis itu akan memberi implikasi yang boleh memprejudiskan siasatan polis dan SPRM dalam kes itu jika ia dikemukakan.

Hujahan Abdul Razak itu dibantah Gobind dan Malik yang mahu supaya keputusan mahkamah semalam dipatuhi, dan bukannya membangkitkan isu baru memandangkan kesemua pihak telahpun diberi peluang untuk menghujahkan perkara itu semalam.

Gobind: "Apa yang dilakukan oleh peguam (Abdul Razak) ini bukan sahaja membuang masa, malah ia penghinaan mahkamah.

Koroner telahpun memutuskan isi kandungan laporan itu relevan dan menetapkan tiga skop yang perlu dipatuhi semua pihak dalam soal balas saksi (Sivanesan), oleh itu kita semua perlu menghormati dan menerima perintah mahkamah ini."

Malik: "Pihak-pihak telah berhujah panjang lebar semalam dan perkara ini telah diputuskan, mahkamah tidak mempunyai kuasa untuk menghujahkan semula isu ini dan menukar keputusannya."

Abdul Razak: "Ini adalah suatu penyalahgunaan proses mahkamah dengan cuba membawa masuk dokumen yang meragukan dan mendengar keterangan seorang saksi yang tidak dirakam percakapannya oleh pihak polis."

Peguam itu juga mendakwa Gobind sengaja mendedahkan saksinya itu kepada umum dengan membenarkan beliau berada dalam mahkamah hari ini, dan bukannya di sebuah bilik khas untuk saksi, sebelum dipanggil memberi keterangan.

Gobind: "Beliau cakap apa ini? Saya bosan mendengar perkara mengarut daripada Abdul Razak. Saya hairan mahkamah boleh melayan benda mengarut ini. Apa salahnya saksi saya duduk di mahkamah ini? Saya tak boleh kemukakan laporan, saya tak boleh kemukakan saksi, apa semua ini?

Abdul Razak: "Jangan terlalu yakin. Saya akan sampai ke satu peringkat di mana saya akan bertanya kepada saksi itu nanti siapakah yang menyediakan laporan polis itu."

Gobind yang jelas berang dengan kenyataan itu bangun dan berkata dengan nada keras: "Berani anda kata yang saya sediakan laporan itu? Saya mahu anda tarik balik. Abdul Razak, tarik balik, sekarang."

Koroner kemudian segera menghentikan pertikaman lidah antara kedua-dua peguam itu daripada menjadi lebih tegang.

Setelah prosiding itu ditangguhkan setengah jam, koroner kemudian bersetuju untuk merujuk keputusan yang dibuatnya semalam kepada Mahkamah Tinggi.

Keputusan koroner itu bagaimanapun tidak dipersetujui oleh Gobind dan Malik yang berpendapat permohonan untuk semakan dan rujukan perlu dikemukakan sendiri oleh Abdul Razak, dan bukannya melalui koroner.

"Datuk Abdul Razak tidak menunjukkan kepada kita semua apakah prejudis yang boleh berlaku jika keterangan saksi didengar dan laporan polis dikemukakan. Jika dia mahu menyemak juga, biarlah dia sendiri yang membuat permohonan ini dan bukannya mahkamah.

"Tuan telahpun membuat keputusan berhubung isu ini semalam, dan hanya kerana SPRM tidak berpuas hati dan membuat bising, Tuan mahu menukar keputusan dan perintah yang telah dibuat," kata Malik yang turut mengingatkan koroner supaya berhati-hati sebelum membuat sebarang keputusan.

Gobind, yang turut berhujah panjang lebar juga melahirkan rasa tidak puas hati dengan keputusan koroner dan berkata: "Tuan harus menjaga maruah mahkamahini dengan memberitahu beliau (Abdul Razak) bahawa dia tidak boleh berbuat demikian (berhujah bahawa laporan berkenaan meragukan dan tidak relevan.)"

Setelah hujahan kesemua pihak didengar, koroner kemudian memutuskan untuk membenarkan Sivanesan dipanggil memberi keterangan dan membenarkan laporan polis saksi itu dikemukakan dalam prosiding tersebut. "Mengenai isu sama ada ia (laporan polis) itu relevan atau tidak, saya serahkan kepada pihak SPRM untuk mengambil tindakan selanjutnya," kata Azmil Muntapha.

Teoh, 30, setiausaha politik kepada Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Pembangunan Kampung Baru dan Penyelesaian Kilang Haram Selangor, Ean Yong Hian Wah ditemui mati pada 16 Julai lalu di tingkat lima Plaza Masalam di sini, selepas memberi keterangan sebagai saksi siasatan penyalahgunaan wang kerajaan negeri Selangor kepada SPRM Selangor yang berpejabat di plaza itu. - Berita Harian

Mystery witness in court

11.40am: Court resumes with coroner saying that he did mention MACC’s stand that the report is irrelevant. However, that is not his stand on the matter.

10.53am: Court takes a short break for coroner to view recordings of Tuesday’s proceedings.

10.25am: Gobind points out that the 19th witness, Selangor MACC officer Mohd Ashraff Mohd Yunus, 25, was not called by the police.

"What pending investigation is he (Abdul Razak) talking about if the witness was not called by the police," asked Gobind.

10.20am: Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas says he is standing by his decision made on Tuesday to allow him to testify as his report has relevance to the facts of the inquest.

He, however, also agrees with Abdul Razak that the case in the report is still under investigation.

10.15am: Datuk Abdul Razak Muda, who is holding a watching brief for the MACC says that before court allows the mystery witness to testify, it must take into consideration that the report was lodged 10 months before Teoh's death which is too huge a gap to the death.

10.12am: Counsel Gobind Singh says mystery witness is in court and ready to testify.

9.45am: Day 18 of Teoh’s inquest begins. Mystery witness is at court sitting at the public gallery wearing white shirt and grey pants. He is seated with his family.

This is considered odd as witnesses are supposed to sit at a room specially for witnesses.

SHAH ALAM: The inquest into political aide Teoh Beng Hock’s death begins with everyone wondering if the “mystery witness” who alleged torture by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers will take the stand.

The mystery man is T. Sivanasan, a company assistant manager, but who have yet to take the stand.

Sivanasan was said to have lodged a report on Sept 11 last year about 10 months before Teoh’s death.

He was said to be a MACC suspect while Teoh was a witness.

In the report, he alleged abuse and torture by MACC officers during interrogation including being hit with a steel rod wrapped in newspaper and being stripped naked. - The Star

Beng Hock gelisah

Oleh NORAZLITA MOHD. SIES
pengarang@utusan.com.my

SHAH ALAM 8 Sept. - Setiausaha Politik Exco Selangor, Teoh Beng Hock buat kali keduanya digambarkan dalam keadaan gelisah dan nampak serius ketika berulang kali membelek empat dokumen sebut harga yang ditunjukkan ketika ditemuduga oleh pegawai Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM).

Beng Hock yang tidak banyak bercakap juga dilihat bersandar serta menegakkan badannya sambil membelek-belek dokumen yang diperoleh menerusi e-mel itu sebelum diminta menyemak dan disahkan olehnya.

Gambaran tersebut diberikan oleh Penolong Penguasa SPRM Selangor, Mohd. Ashraf Mohd. Yunus Mohd. Ashraf ketika disoal oleh peguam pemerhati bagi suruhanjaya berkenaan, Datuk Abdul Razak Musa di Mahkamah Koroner di sini hari ini.

Pada 27 Ogos lalu, inkues siasatan tersebut dimaklumkan bahawa Beng Hock dilihat resah gelisah ketika komputer riba dan unit pemprosesan pusat (CPU) miliknya dirampas di pejabatnya di tingkat 15, Bangunan Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri (SUK) Selangor.

Dalam keterangan Mohd. Ashraf hari ini, mendiang berkeadaan demikian ketika ditemuduga di pejabat SPRM Selangor di Tingkat 14, Plaza Masalam di sini pada 15 Julai lalu, sebagai saksi berhubung kes penyelewengan peruntukkan wang kerajaan negeri Selangor.

''Beng Hock tidak nampak ceria, dia serius dan tidak banyak bercakap. Dia cuma bercakap apabila ditanya mengenai nama, umur dan bagaimana dia mengenali Yang Berhormat Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Seri Kembangan, Ean Yong Hian Wah,'' ujar Mohd. Ashraf.

Setiap kali apabila dokumen ditunjukkan, kata Mohd. Ashraf, Beng Hock tidak menjawab ataupun mengesahkan itu adalah tandatangannya.

''Sebaliknya Beng Hock hanya kata hmm hmm hmm seolah-olah mengakui sahaja,'' jawabnya.

Mohd. Ashraf juga menegaskan, sewaktu ditemu duga oleh SPRM ketika itu, Beng Hock masih boleh bangun, berjalan dengan elok dan tidak pernah mengadu sakit.

Saksi inkues ke-19 itu juga berkata, sepanjang temu bual tersebut, beliau juga tidak pernah sekali-kali menjerkah atau menempik Beng Hock apatah lagi menggunakan sebarang kekerasan fizikal terhadapnya.

Selain itu, beliau menyatakan, tiada sebab baginya untuk berbohong apatah lagi untuk mencederakan orang lain.

Mohd. Ashraf turut memberitahu beliau tidak pernah dipanggil untuk disoal siasat oleh polis mahupun didakwa atas sebarang pertuduhan jenayah.

Beliau memberi keterangan di hadapan Koroner Azmil Muntapha Abas pada prosiding inkues siasatan kematian Beng Hock yang masuk hari ke-18 hari ini.

Beng Hock ditemui mati di koridor tingkat lima Plaza Masalam kira-kira pukul 2 petang, 16 Julai lalu selepas disoal siasat oleh SPRM.

Dalam pada itu, prosiding inkues yang bermula pada pukul 11.45 pagi berlarutan hingga ke pukul 1.15 petang semata-mata untuk mendengar hujah permohonan peguam Gobind Singh Deo yang mewakili keluarga Beng Hock.

Gobind memohon untuk menyoal balas Mohd. Ashraf berhubung satu laporan polis yang dibuat oleh seorang suspek (tiada kaitan dengan kes Beng Hock) yang mendakwa kononnya telah dikasari oleh SPRM.

Laporan polis bertarikh 11 September 2008, dijadikan asas untuk mencabar kredibiliti keterangan Mohd. Ashraf setelah saksi itu sebelum ini mengatakan beliau tidak tahu menahu wujud kekerasan dalam soal siasat SPRM.

Abdul Razak bagaimanapun membantah keras permohonan tersebut kerana ia tidak relevan dengan inkues tersebut.

Tambahan pula, tegas Abdul Razak, laporan polis yang dimaksudkan sebenarnya jika dihitung, tiga hari lagi genap setahun. Malahan, ia dibuat kira-kira 10 bulan sebelum Beng Hock ditemui mati.

Peguam Tan Hock Chuan yang mewakili Kerajaan Malaysia pula mengesyorkan agar pengadu yang membuat laporan polis itu dipanggil memberi keterangan bagi mengelakkan prosiding tergendala.

Azmil kemudiannya memutuskan bahawa fakta dalam laporan polis itu adalah relevan bagi prosiding inkues itu dan membenarkan pengadu dalam laporan tersebut memberi keterangan di mahkamah, esok. - Utusan

Teoh Inquest: Grilling over MACC 'torture' report

SHAH ALAM: The inquest which is looking into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock on Tuesday allowed a police report that was lodged nearly a year ago by a 'mystery witness' who alleged torture by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers.

However, coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas said the line of questioning should be limited to the purpose of determining whether any interrogation occurred, the use of force and the involvement of the officer during the interrogation.

Azmil Munthapa said the report has relevance on the basis that it occurred at the same location (14th floor Plaza Masalam) and could involve the same people.

"The details of the report are somewhat relevant to the facts of the inquest," he said.

The court agreed that the 'mystery witness' be called to the stand Wednesday.

Here is an account of what transpired:

1.45pm: Court adjourns to tomorrow. A new witness - the mysterious person who lodged the 'torture' report - is expected to take the stand. His identity is unknown for now.

1.40pm: Mohd Ashraf says he was never called by the police regarding any allegations in the police report. He is also free from any civil suit and was never sued for causing grievous hurt.

1.35pm: Mohd Ashraf says Teoh never complained about being in pain while he was at the MACC office. Teoh did not say anything about getting married, he said.

1.25pm: Mohd Ashraf says Teoh looked nervous when he saw the four documents that were printed from his laptop. He says another officer had shown Teoh the documents during a questioning session on July 15

1.15pm: Coroner says report has relevance on the basis that it occurred at the same location (14th floor Plaza Masalam) and could involve the same people. 'The details of the report are somewhat relevant to the facts of the inquest,' says Azmil Munthapa.

Mohd Ashraf called to the witness stand. Abdul Razak starts the questioning.

1pm: Abdul Razak says there is no need to put witness on the stand just to discredit him and ask irrelevant questions as 'this is not a trial.'

12.45pm: Gobind disagrees with Abdul Razak. He says the police report has accusations implicating the witness (Mohd Ashraf).

Gobind questions the 'fear' that the MACC has regarding the matter. "Why the fear? If you haven't done anything wrong, then say you didn't do anything wrong."

Gobind insists that Mohd Ashraf would have the chance to counter the allegations if he is allowed to take the stand.

Abdul Razak says Gobind cannot implicate Mohd Ashraf because after viewing the report, Mohd Ashraf's name was not mentioned in the report.

Gobind says the report stated 'several MACC officers' and Mohd Ashraf is a MACC officer.

Lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, for the Selangor government, supports Gobind's argument, saying Mohd Ashraf works for the MACC at the time the report was lodged.

12.35pm: Court resumes with Abdul Razak saying that the police report is irrelevant to the inquest for a few reasons. One is that the person who lodged the report on Sept 11, 2008 is a suspect while Teoh was a witness.

11.50am: Lawyer Tan Hock Chuan (representing the Attorney-General's Chamber) suggests that police report Gobind Singh Deo mentioned on Aug 28 (relating to abuse and torture by MACC officers) be given to Datuk Abdul Razak Musa, the lawyer for MACC. Gobind agrees.

Court takes a short break for parties to view the report.

11.24am: 19th witness MACC officer Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus, 25, recalled to the stand for the second time.

Executive councillor Ronnie Liu walks in and sits at the front row of the public gallery. - The Star

Inkues: Saksi dakwa didera SPRM beri keterangan esok

SHAH ALAM 8 Sept. - Prosiding inkues bagi menyiasat kematian setiausaha politik exco Selangor, Teoh Beng Hock akan mendengar esok buat pertama kali keterangan seorang saksi yang mendakwa pernah menjadi mangsa penderaan fizikal Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM).

Saksi itu yang masih dirahsiakan identitinya akan dipanggil bagi memberikan keterangan berhubung laporan polis yang dibuatnya tahun lalu terhadap beberapa pegawai suruhanjaya itu yang didakwa telah menampar, menyepak dan memukulnya sehingga mengalami kecederaan ketika disoal siasat.

Koroner Azmil Muntapha Abas hari ini memutuskan laporan polis yang dibuat pada 11 September tahun lalu oleh pengadu tersebut adalah relevan bagi membantu mahkamah menentukan punca kematian Teoh.

Gobind Singh Deo, peguam bagi keluarga Teoh, memberitahu mahkamah beliau akan memanggil pengadu sebagai saksi bagi membuktikan dakwaan bahawa pegawai SPRM menggunakan kekerasan ketika menyoal siasat, dan seterusnya menunjukkan terdapat percanggahan dalam keterangan saksi SPRM, pegawai penguasa Mohd. Ashraf Mohd Yunus sebelum ini. - Utusan

Teoh inquest resumes, ‘mystery witness’ to appear

By WANI MUTHIAH

wani@thestar.com.my

KLANG: The inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock will resume at 11am Tuesday after a week’s hiatus.

The proceedings are expected to be explosive given that the lawyer holding a watching brief for Teoh’s family, Gobind Singh Deo, has been allowed to bring in a “mystery witness” to testify against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was summoned to the state MACC office at the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam to be quizzed over the alleged irregular disbursement of state funds on July 15.

He was found dead at the building’s 5th floor service corridor the next day.

An inquest had been ordered to probe his death.

The mystery witness had lodged police reports against several Selangor MACC officers alleging that they had brutalised him when he had been hauled up for questioning.

It is believed some of the MACC officers mentioned in the police report were also being called as witnesses in the Teoh inquest.

According to sources, the witness would only be brought in after all the MACC officers involved in Teoh’s case have been grilled.

Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas had adjourned the proceedings to Tuesday on Aug 28 to give time for the MACC officers to seek legal counsel.

He had also informed the MACC officer who had testified on Aug 28, Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus, that he need not answer any questions that he feels would implicate him.

Malek Imtiaz Sarwar is heading the legal team holding a watching brief for the state whilst counsel Tan Hock Chuan and DPP Mohd Abazafree Mohd Abbas are assisting Azmil Muntapha.

Datuk Abdul Razak Musa is holding a watching brief for the MACC. - The Star

Be patient over probes, says MACC

PETALING JAYA: The public should be patient with Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigations into high-profile cases.

“I request the public to wait for the outcome patiently and not speculate. Let us handle the cases,” said MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed.

He said the commission hoped to complete investigations into Teoh Beng Hock’s death and the Port Klang Free Zone issue as soon as possible.

Abu Kassim was attending a three-day mission and character-building seminar conducted by ESQ Leadership Centre Sdn Bhd in Subang Jaya yesterday.

Various government departments, private companies and the Royal Malaysian Police attended the seminar, which began on Friday.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, who was also present, said leadership training would benefit the force.

Musa also said that he would do his best to ensure the promises he made to the Government in his five-year strategic plan of the force were fulfilled. - The Star

MACC taking measures to redeem image

SUBANG JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is taking measures to redeem its image which has been tarnished by recent incidents.

Its deputy chief commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed said among the measures taken was that of sending its officers and staff for various courses to improve their performance so as to win back public confidence in the MACC.

"We're trying to do the right thing and in a consistent manner," he told reporters after attending an Emotional Spiritual Quotient (ESQ) course for 120 senior officers of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), MACC and the Attorney-General's Office here today.

Abu Kassim urged the public to be patient and not to throw baseless accusations at the MACC before an investigation into a case is completed.

"We are asking for the people to wait for the inquest (into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock) which is still going on and also the investigation into the case by the Royal Commission of Inquiry to be completed.

"We (MACC officers and staff) need strength of spirit as we face many challenges and obstacles in carrying out our duties," he said.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the three-day ESQ course, which began on Friday, was attended by department directors and deputy directors and state police chiefs was aimed at enhancing their work performance in keeping with PDRM's five-year strategic plan.

"I hope PDRM can give the best service to the publice while maintaining peace and national security, besides preventing its members from committing anything negative or abusing their power," he said. - NST

SPRM siasat projek tidak wujud

PUTRAJAYA: Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) semalam, memanggil dua kontraktor berhubung siasatan kes tuntutan projek yang tidak wujud di Selangor.

Kedua-dua kontraktor lelaki itu, tiba di ibu pejabat SPRM di sini bersama peguam mereka kira-kira jam 11.30 pagi.

Difahamkan, kedua-dua mereka disoal siasat SPRM mengenai kaitan mereka dengan tiga projek masing-masing di Sungai Pelek, Seri Kembangan dan Kuala Kubu Bahru.

Seorang daripada mereka yang dipercayai menyediakan invois dan kenyataan berhubung projek berkenaan diminta menjelaskan mengenai dokumen yang ditemui pegawai SPRM ketika menjalankan siasatan.

Sumber SPRM berkata, kedua-dua kontraktor itu diambil keterangan mereka bagi membantu siasatan terhadap penyalahgunaan dana kerajaan Selangor.

Laporan sebelum ini menyebut, SPRM menerusi Pegawai Penyiasat SPRM Selangor, Mohd Anuar Ismail, mendedahkan mengenai kegiatan empat firma Bumiputera meminjamkan kepala surat syarikat mereka kepada individu tertentu untuk menjalankan projek yang tidak wujud. - Berita Harian

MACC: We're colour blind

By Alang Bendahara

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigated 27 Barisan Nasional (BN) and four Pakatan Rakyat politicians as at June 30 this year.

Its deputy chief commissioner, Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed, in revealing these details to rebut claims that it was political and racist in its investigations, said of the total, seven were charged and they were Malay BN politicians.

"In terms of racial composition, MACC is colour blind," he said in a chat session with a local daily yesterday. Citing an example, he said, MACC had charged former Labuan member of parliament Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman and were investigating several other policitians in Sabah.

Abu Kassim said MACC even investigated former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo immediately after receiving a complaint against him.

He said MACC gave priority to all complaints it received regardless of who it implicates.

"All complaints are important regardless whether it is a big fish or a small fish, it does not matter if it is a politician, businessman or a non-governmental organisation personnel.

"Every complaint is a priority. It is our policy that special attention be given to a public interest case by providing more manpower and logistics."

On whether MACC investigates statutory declarations published online, Abu Kassim said: "We will investigate whatever allegations which have an element of corruption".

He said many people would want to see politicians being charged in court but MACC had to base their actions on complaints and evidence.

On Teoh Beng Hock's case, Abu Kassim said the MACC had already taken several steps to ensure there were no similar occurrences in the future.

"We have requested all officers to comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) for questioning and handling of witnesses.

"Also the issue was not on how we handle the witnesses but on whether things are recorded properly.

"That is why I have immediately directed all MACC offices to have CCTVs and to record the processes so that we have evidence that the proper handling is made and any future complaints can be rebutted by showing the videos."

On whether MACC should interview suspects only during office hours, Abu Kassim said rationally, it should be so but at times, the situation did not permit them to do so.

"Many MACC officers would be very happy if our working hours are from 9am to 5pm, but unfortunately many of our cases occur after office hours.

"For example, law enforcement officers may ask for a bribe at 10pm and be seen by two witnesses. If we leave them and take their statement the next day, they may not come to the office or may have a memory loss after that."

He added that time was of the essence in their investigations especially where there was media coverage and there was a need to secure the evidence immediately.

"The most important thing in interviewing suspects after office hours is to either have their consent or do it at their request and if they are willing to cooperate.

"Also to ensure if the witnesses are alert, we will ask them if they want to continue or not. If they are too tired, they can take a rest or postpone for a while if necessary based on the situation." - NST

2 contractors quizzed on dubious Selangor projects

PUTRAJAYA: Investigations into the alleged abuse of Selangor state funds continued yesterday with two contractors being questioned about allegations of non-existent projects.

The contractors, accompanied by their respective lawyers, turned up at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters yesterday where they were questioned on at least three such projects in Sungai Pelek, Sri Kembangan and Kuala Kubu Baru.

One of them, who allegedly prepared invoices and statements pertaining to the projects, was asked to verify some of the documents obtained by MACC officers during the course of their investigation into the case.

A senior MACC officer confirmed that the two had their statements recorded to facilitate ongoing investigations into alleged abuse of Selangor government funds.

The inquest into political aide Teoh Beng Hock's death was told recently that four companies had lent their letterheads to certain individuals for non-existent projects which obtained approval from Teoh and his boss, Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah.

This information was retrieved from invoices obtained and printed from Teoh's laptop when he was being questioned at the MACC office on July 15 and 16.

MACC investigating officer Mohd Anuar Ismail had told the inquest that the documents showed that four companies had received commissions after lending their letterheads to certain individuals.

Anuar, who was a witness in the inquest, had named the four companies as Syarikat Fizami Construction, Aris Enterprise, MKMN Enterprise and M A Bina Melor Enterprise, in his testimony.

Based on MACC's investigations, Syarikat Fizami Construction obtained 26 projects worth RM147,812, Aris Enterprise obtained 14 projects worth RM88,275.30, MKMN Enterprise had six projects worth RM50,765 and M A Bina Melor Enterprise got seven projects worth RM69,010. - NST

Irregularities in the awarding of development funds : Manager quizzed by MACC

By SHAUN HO

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has summoned a construction and supply company manager over the probe on the alleged irregularities in the awarding of development funds.

Lee Wye Wing, 50, was interviewed for more than five hours over the allocation of Selangor state funds that accepted contracts for community events and construction works in Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah’s constituency.

Lee was accompanied by two lawyers, Tiew Way Keng and Loi Kwong Fon, who were allowed to observe the interview session.

Ean Yong was also present and gave a press conference before Lee went into the building.

“Lee received a notice last week to assist in investigations under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009,” Ean Yong said. Section 18 dealt with an offence of an agent intending to deceive.

Lee was previously summoned to the MACC office on July 15. He complied although he was not given any notice.

Ean Yong also said that the MACC seized a CPU from Lee’s house the following day without providing any warrant.

“They still have the CPU and have not allowed Lee to make any copies of the files contained in the CPU,” Ean Yong said.

According to Loi, the MACC is legally allowed to seize items without a warrant, although certain criteria had to be fulfilled.

“One such criterion is reasonable suspicion. However, it is subjective. Lee is only a witness and not a suspect,” Loi said.

Lee entered the building at 12.30pm and exited at about 6pm, and spoke to reporters.

Lee said he was questioned by MACC officers about details of the allocation documents such as claim procedures and who prepared the documents.

He said that besides the CPU, documents like bank statements, cheque books and company stamps were seized by the MACC from his house.

“I cannot do anything as all my documents are in the computer. I can’t even enter any claims,” Lee told reporters.

Lee will be going back to the MACC office at 12pm today for further questioning. - The Star

MACC questions building contractor over constituency funds

PUTRAJAYA: Lee Wye Wing is the latest witness to be questioned by MACC in relation to to the fund allocations in Ean Yong Hian Wah’s constituency.

Lee is the manager of WSK Services, a building contractor and supplier that had received contracts for projects in Ean Yong’s constituency.

Lee entered the building at 12.30am and is expected to be questioned until 7.30pm. - The Star