Manoharan gives police statement ‘under protest’

(Bernama) – The police today stepped up their investigations into the suspicious death of Teoh Beng Hock when they questioned Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M. Manoharan at the Selangor State Secretariat building near here today.

Manoharan, who was accompanied by wife, S. Pushpaneela, arrived at 3.15pm. He was later seen entering a discussion room located in the office of state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, 25 minutes later, to have his statement recorded until 6.40pm.

Manoharan was questioned by ASP Mohd Amirul Abdullah of the Shah Alam police headquarters.

Met later, he said he gave a “statement of protest” against the investigation being carried out by the police into Teoh's death.

“I gave the statement under protest … I am not satisfied with the investigations being carried out. I am extremely disappointed with the police because the investigation (into Teoh's death) should be carried out under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, and not sudden death,” he said.

Teoh, who was the political aide to Yong, the Selangor state executive councillor for new village development and illegal factory task force, was found dead on July 16, at a corridor of the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam.

Prior to his death, he was questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Manoharan also said he was the last person who had spoken to Teoh before he was taken into MACC's custody.

“I received the last call from Teoh at 6.15pm on July 15, and immediately went to the 14th floor of the Plaza Masalam where the MACC office is located.

“Unfortunately, I was denied permission to accompany my client (Teoh) upon reaching the office,” he said.

Manoharan added his voice to the growing calls for a royal commission to investigate the death.

Meanwhile, Ean Yong said he would give his statement to the police tomorrow about 3pm, at his office.