KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will investigate thoroughly the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock which happened on Thursday.

Its commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said the investigation would also cover complaints from individuals of being injured during a demonstration in front of Wisma Masalam in Shah Alam where Teoh was found dead.

"Suhakam will conduct an independent investigation into the two incidents and whatever decision made, such as on whether there should be a public inquiry, will be known after our meeting next month."

He was speaking to reporters at the Suhakam office here Tuesday after receiving a protest memorandum from several individuals who claimed to have been injured by police during the demonstration.

Siva urged that the fundamental rights of individuals be respected and protected when any investigation is being carried out by the relevant authorities or agencies.

"According to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, torture involves any act inflicted on a person to obtain from him or a third person information or confession with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity," he said.

Teoh, 30, was found dead at 1.30pm on Thursday on the 5th floor of Wisma Masalam which also houses the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) Selangor headquarters on the 14th floor.

Teoh, the political aide of state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, was a witness in the MACC's investigation into alleged misappropriation of state allocations.