Latest news with #PEACE
![BTH: Teoh Beng Hock, MACC's apology, judicial update & public trust [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
BTH: Teoh Beng Hock, MACC's apology, judicial update & public trust [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan revisit the tragic death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock, who died in 2009 while under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The case has resurfaced in the national spotlight following a rare move by the MACC. On the 16th anniversary of Teoh's death, the commission issued a formal apology to his family — expressing deep regret and acknowledging the lasting impact on his loved ones, the agency, and the nation. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki also announced a goodwill contribution to support the welfare and education of Teoh's child, marking a symbolic step in recognising the gravity of the case. The statement further acknowledges findings from previous investigations — including the 2011 Royal Commission of Inquiry and the 2014 Court of Appeal ruling — although no one has ever been held accountable. This episode explores whether the apology, alongside the MACC's internal reforms, is enough to offer closure to a grieving family and a country still seeking answers. Reforms mentioned include body-worn cameras, enhanced CCTV systems, secure interview rooms, and the adoption of the PEACE interview model to improve transparency and reduce harm. Joining the discussion is Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) CEO Pushpan Murugiah who also weighs in on another issue in the public eye: the ongoing concerns surrounding judicial appointments. The government is reportedly reviewing the appointment process amid growing public scrutiny, as key leadership positions within the judiciary remain unfilled. Watch the episode on NST's YouTube channel @NSTOnline to follow the full discussion.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
16 Years On, MACC Draws Lessons From Teoh Beng Hock Tragedy For Reforms
PUTRAJAYA, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has introduced a series of reforms over the years to better protect the welfare of individuals assisting in its investigations. In a statement today, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission had drawn lessons from the tragic death of Teoh Beng Hock 16 years ago and remains firmly committed to addressing past failings and restoring public trust. 'Although recent investigations did not uncover sufficient evidence to charge any individual under the law, the MACC takes seriously the fact that the late Teoh was found dead at the Selangor MACC premises on July 16, 2009. 'It was a dark chapter that had a profound impact not only on Teoh's family but also on MACC personnel and the nation. As Chief Commissioner, I wish to express my sympathy and offer my sincerest apologies to the family for the suffering they have endured over the years,' said Azam. Among the improvements introduced are the establishment of Video Interviewing Rooms to record statements from witnesses, detainees and suspects, as well as the setting up of ground-floor interview rooms to ensure easier access and greater transparency. Azam said the number of closed-circuit television cameras at MACC premises has been increased, with high-tech features and strategic placements to monitor and record the movements and conduct of every individual who enters the building. 'All MACC buildings are now equipped with iron grilles in line with official safety guidelines. Body-worn cameras are used during every investigation operation to capture activities on the ground and safeguard the integrity of our officers. 'We have also adopted the PEACE (Planning, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluation) interview technique, used in the United Kingdom. This method, which prioritises both effectiveness and safety, has been adapted as the MACC PEACE model,' he said. Azam added that the commission acknowledges the findings of multiple investigations into Teoh's death over the past 16 years, including the Royal Commission of Inquiry in 2011, Court of Appeal ruling in 2014, and most recent police investigation, which was classified as No Further Action by the Attorney General's Chambers.
![[UPDATED] MACC apologises to Teoh Beng Hock's family over 2009 tragedy](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fwtsorry167_NSTfield_image_socialmedia.var_1752645042.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] MACC apologises to Teoh Beng Hock's family over 2009 tragedy
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has issued an apology to the family of Teoh Beng Hock, nearly 15 years after his death at its Selangor office while under investigation. Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission deeply regretted the tragedy and acknowledged the pain and suffering endured by Teoh's family. He said MACC is also prepared to provide a goodwill contribution to the late Teoh's family for the purpose of supporting the welfare and educational needs of his child. "This tragic incident has had a profound impact not only on the deceased's family, but also on all MACC personnel and the nation as a whole. "On behalf of the commission, I extend our deepest sympathies and an apology to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock," he said in a statement today. Azam said the commission acknowledged the findings from various investigations carried out over the past 16 years of Teoh's death. These include the Royal Commission of Inquiry in 2011, the Court of Appeal's decision in 2014 and the most recent investigation by the police, which was classified as No Further Action (NFA) by the Attorney-General's Chambers. Although the latest investigation did not uncover sufficient evidence to charge any individual under the law, he said, MACC views with utmost seriousness the fact that the late Teoh was found dead at the MACC Selangor premises on July 16, 2009. He said MACC has implemented numerous reforms aimed at strengthening safeguards for individuals involved in investigations. "Among the improvements were the establishment of Video Interviewing Rooms to record statements from witnesses, detainees and suspects, and the construction of a Witness Interview Room on the ground floor to enhance accessibility and transparency. "MACC buildings have also been fitted with iron grilles in accordance with safety regulations. "The CCTV systems have been upgraded with advanced technology, increased in number, and placed strategically to monitor the movement and behaviour of all individuals entering MACC premises. "Body-worn cameras are now used during investigations to document operations and ensure the integrity of investigating officers," he said. Azam said MACC has also adopted the Planning, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluation (PEACE) interview model, which is practised in the United Kingdom. Emphasising both effectiveness and safety, the model has been adapted and implemented as MACC PEACE.
Sydney Morning Herald
16-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
My dream trip led us to a famed zoo. It changed how I felt about Japan
I had fallen into a lazy, guilty tourist trap. What struck me hardest as a South Asian person was an elephant seemingly under 'zoochosis', shaking her head over and over again, her trunk swinging back and forth like a metronome, a downcast, self-soothing gesture that laid bare her distress. A fellow Australian tourist overheard my friend and I discussing these conditions. In a hushed voice, she summed up what we were thinking: 'It's naive, but I never expected this from Japan.' Ueno Zoo is not the only place in Japan where animal welfare standards appear poor. It's home to cafés with exotic animals such as nocturnal owls unnaturally tied to posts throughout a whole day, exhibits of fish crammed into unfiltered small bowls, zoos and aquariums with animals displaying abnormal behaviour and mental distress, and 'animal parks' where animals rely on human presence and fight among themselves. This is not to single out Japan as the epitome of animal cruelty in Asia. As a Sri Lankan-Aussie, I would be remiss not to mention the exploitation of elephants and other animals I've seen firsthand in Sri Lanka and in other Asian countries. These standards are unacceptable everywhere. Imagine the torment of being confined to a space where you're prodded, stroked and posed for the fleeting amusement of strangers. In the end, you are little more than a living ornament whose small life will not be remembered once the tourists leave. According to the British charity Wild Welfare, Japan remains well behind global standards in animal welfare for captive wild animals. Their laws are outdated, and many animals continue to live in inadequate conditions. Where do we draw the line on cruelty being excused under the guise of novelty? It can be easy to separate ourselves from the role we play in enabling these practices. The money I spent visiting Ueno Zoo was a direct contribution to the problem. Just by showing up, we as tourists can validate and reinforce systems of animal cruelty. Every entry fee we pay and every social media post we share helps sustain the demand for these attractions. In my opinion, Japan's popularity has helped many of these attractions avoid accountability. Some outsiders consider the country host to an inherently honorable culture, which makes it harder to question or criticise practices that anywhere else would be seen as neglect. Within Japan, there are voices calling for change, though they often go unheard. Organisations such as the Japan Animal Welfare Society have reported serious issues at Miyagi Zao Fox Village, including overcrowding, untreated injuries, and fox-on-fox violence. PEACE (Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation) has been vocal in its opposition to all forms of animal cafés.
The Age
16-05-2025
- The Age
My dream trip led us to a famed zoo. It changed how I felt about Japan
I had fallen into a lazy, guilty tourist trap. What struck me hardest as a South Asian person was an elephant seemingly under 'zoochosis', shaking her head over and over again, her trunk swinging back and forth like a metronome, a downcast, self-soothing gesture that laid bare her distress. A fellow Australian tourist overheard my friend and I discussing these conditions. In a hushed voice, she summed up what we were thinking: 'It's naive, but I never expected this from Japan.' Ueno Zoo is not the only place in Japan where animal welfare standards appear poor. It's home to cafés with exotic animals such as nocturnal owls unnaturally tied to posts throughout a whole day, exhibits of fish crammed into unfiltered small bowls, zoos and aquariums with animals displaying abnormal behaviour and mental distress, and 'animal parks' where animals rely on human presence and fight among themselves. This is not to single out Japan as the epitome of animal cruelty in Asia. As a Sri Lankan-Aussie, I would be remiss not to mention the exploitation of elephants and other animals I've seen firsthand in Sri Lanka and in other Asian countries. These standards are unacceptable everywhere. Imagine the torment of being confined to a space where you're prodded, stroked and posed for the fleeting amusement of strangers. In the end, you are little more than a living ornament whose small life will not be remembered once the tourists leave. According to the British charity Wild Welfare, Japan remains well behind global standards in animal welfare for captive wild animals. Their laws are outdated, and many animals continue to live in inadequate conditions. Where do we draw the line on cruelty being excused under the guise of novelty? It can be easy to separate ourselves from the role we play in enabling these practices. The money I spent visiting Ueno Zoo was a direct contribution to the problem. Just by showing up, we as tourists can validate and reinforce systems of animal cruelty. Every entry fee we pay and every social media post we share helps sustain the demand for these attractions. In my opinion, Japan's popularity has helped many of these attractions avoid accountability. Some outsiders consider the country host to an inherently honorable culture, which makes it harder to question or criticise practices that anywhere else would be seen as neglect. Within Japan, there are voices calling for change, though they often go unheard. Organisations such as the Japan Animal Welfare Society have reported serious issues at Miyagi Zao Fox Village, including overcrowding, untreated injuries, and fox-on-fox violence. PEACE (Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation) has been vocal in its opposition to all forms of animal cafés.
