Speech on Forum Awam: Kematian Dalam Tahanan: Sistem Enggan Berubah, Siapa Peduli?

July the 16th is a day of remembrance for those who have lost their lives while in custody.

Exactly 16 years ago, on this very date in 2009, our country witnessed two custodial deaths: that of the late R. Gunasegaran and Teoh Beng Hock.

Their tragic and untimely deaths shocked the nation, and brought the issue of death in custody into the public consciousness.

Before 2009, many, especially people of my generation, or those younger, had likely never even heard the term “death in custody.”

It was only through the devastating impact of these cases, and the tireless efforts of the victims family members, activists, lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders, that this issue began to receive the attention it deserved.

Tonight, we gather once again not only to commemorate the lives lost, but also to remind ourselves that justice remains elusive for many.

We remember those who died under suspicious circumstances, and those who were ill-treated or neglected while in custody, they were victims of a system that has too often failed to uphold the rule of law and basic human dignity.

Till this day, there are still unanswered questions. Justice remains incomplete.

Too many stones remain unturned, and we must not allow these injustices to be buried by time or indifference.

As a civil society organization, KLSCAH reaffirms its stand:

• All cases of custodial death must be investigated thoroughly and transparently.
• The findings of these investigations must be made public, only then can we begin to restore public trust in our institutions.
• All persons in custody must be treated with dignity, in full accordance with international human rights standards – including access to timely and adequate medical care.
• The government must publish custodial death statistics periodically and systematically, so that oversight and accountability are possible.

Let me be clear:

The government’s job is not done until there are zero cases of abuse, negligence, or misuse of power.

Where deaths or mistreatments occur, investigations must be initiated without delay, and criminal charges must be brought against those responsible, regardless of rank or position.

Kelvin Lee
Chairperson – KLSCAH CRC