Penangites rally at Speakers Square to remember Teoh

The death of Teoh Beng Hock was “the worst thing that could have happened to DAP”.

“Before this, the worst thing that could have happened to one of us was the Internal Security Act, or imprisonment in Kamunting detention centre or Kajang,” said Ayer Itam (DAP) assemblyperson Wong Hon Wai at the first year anniversary to commemorate Teoh’s death at the Penang Speakers Square last night.

“But murder, like what happened to Teoh Beng Hock, a DAP member and a good friend, was beyond our imagination, it was too much and something we could not accept,” said the DAP political education director.

“There is yet to be justice for Teoh. There is still a lot of double standards practiced by our leaders and institutions,” added Wong, who is Penang exco member for Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts.

“So let’s make a pledge: We want to see all the wrongdoers punished”.

After his speech, Wong asked the crowd to raise their candles and cry for justice to be served for Teoh, who was a DAP political aide when he was alive.

Those words struck a chord in the hearts of about 100 people who turned out at the event which went on peacefully for about an hour.

The air was filled with the warmth of lighted candles and the spirit of people’s solidarity for Teoh and his family.

The participants’ chanted slogans like “Justice for Teoh Beng Hock”, “Stop the cruelty” and “reformasi”.

Teary-eyed participants

Many were teary-eyed as the speeches went on without interruption in the cool night heavy with sympathy.

They was a dearth of PKR and PAS leaders but Komtar state assemblyperson Ng Wei Aik said that invitations were sent to all Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

“Perhaps they had been caught in a traffic jam leading up to this place,” added the PR Youth secretary, referring to an accident along the Jelutong Expressway which saw a body covered with newspaper lying on the road, about 3km away from the Esplanade.

However, the usual crowd who frequented the Speakers Square was present with candles and photos of Teoh, who died last year after severe interrogation by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers for a corruption charge that was never proven.

A group of Special Branch officers did their usual grind - busily videotaping the event, snapping photos, jotting down notes and mingling with the crowd.

An officer was spotted carrying a candle, and one, who was familiar to most reporters, even remarked “I wear a yellow T-shirt because it is the symbol of freedom”.

During his speech, Seri Delima (DAP) assemblyperson RSN Rayer ( right ) accused the MACC of being partisan and not impartial.

“What happened to Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yaakob, who was found with RM2 million in his house? What happened to MIC leaders and the Maika scandal? What about MCA leaders and the Port Klang Free Trade Zone scandal? What happened to Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin who had been found playing money politics?” he queried, in his usual thunderous tone.

“Were they arrested and charged? Why did this happened only to Teoh? Is MACC really open? Until now we do not know why Teoh died and who killed him,” he added.

Teoh’s death ‘a lesson for all’

Penang Municipal Councillor Ramlah Bee Asiahoo questioned why a Malaysian son like Teoh was killed so abruptly.

“It is so very cruel and so very violent,” she said in a rousing speech.

“There is no freedom to live in this country. The rakyat should be given freedom not killed just like that,” added the councilor. who is a representative of PAS.

Ramlah said Teoh’s death was a lesson for all and she urged the people not to be tricked by BN despite their various propaganda to win the hearts of the people.

“Teoh is a hero and a symbol of freedom fighters for Malaysia, “she hailed.

Tanjong parliamentarian Chow Kon Yeow said the event was organised not just for Teoh alone but for all Malaysians.

“The country is in a serious situation under the rule of BN. The results of March 8 seems not to have woken them up. Their rule is corrupt, cruel and oppressive,” Chow, who is a state executive councilor, told the crowd.

“When will they be aware? It seems like they will never, never be aware at all,” added the state local government, traffic management and environment committee chairperson.

At about 10pm, the event ended with participants placing their lighted candles along the pavement, where the flames lined the streets, a reminder that the road to freedom and justice is

paved with fire and brimstone.

VIDEO l 9 mins