3^rd Anniversary of Teoh Beng Hock's Death Memorial Oration (Read by: Ean Yong Hian Wah) on Sunday, 15^th July 2012:

3^rd Anniversary of Teoh Beng Hock's Death Memorial Oration

On this day, three years ago, MACC officers came to our office. They led you away, without a chance for you to say goodbye. We did not imagine that it would be the last time we would see you.

Today, we mark three years since that final goodbye. In these three years, we have searched long and hard for the truth behind your death. We went through the heartbreaking processes of the autopsy, the inquest in the coroner's court. We sat through the whole Royal Commission of Inquiry. We waited painstakingly, but it was all in vain. Finally, we received a report that did not tell us the whole truth.

The report said you were "driven to suicide", what an absurd and shameless conclusion. We cannot accept such an illogical conclusion. We remember that before the MACC led you away, you were busy preparing for your wedding. I had agreed to attend your wedding. Your friends were gearing up to be your 'brothers' during the 'picking up the bride' ceremony. Everyone was jumping with joy at the thought of you embarking on the next stage of life.

Little did we know, history was playing a joke on us. A painful, cruel joke.

I cannot imagine the emotional and mental torture you must have suffered in your last few hours on earth. It must have been the most unbearable pain for anyone to bear. When you needed us most, we could not be there for you. You bore it all alone.

The journey of your life should not have come to a premature end. You had a choice. You could have cooperated with the MACC's schemes. Doing so would have been lethal to the budding prospects of democracy, at least you would have saved your own life.

Instead, you chose not to implicate anyone falsely. You chose to use your own flesh and blood to defend our nation¡¯s freedom and democracy. Because of your sacrifice, the Selangor state government was not overthrown by political opponents. We today can enjoy the fruits of good governance. But your family, your wife and son, and your friends, they lost you forever.

Beng Hock, we will not forget your sacrifice. We will not forget the wonderful memories we shared. It has been a blessing for me to be able to work with you. I am grateful for all you have done, and I miss the days we spent together in our journey and struggle for democracy.

Beng Hock, we will continue to work hard until the truth is found and justice is done. We will not rest until you get your piece of fairness from this country and society.

Beng Hock, we promise that your sacrifice will not be in vain. We will work to build a better country. A country where people need not fear persecution and unneccessary loss of life. A country we can all be proud of, a country where Er Jia and other children can grow up happy.

Beng Hock, today I speak on behalf of all Malaysians who seek democracy in saying this, thank you.

* Democratic Action Party