Siblings narrate BMC fracas to Suhakam

The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today started its two-day public inquiry over the alleged use of 'excessive force' by police on residents during the Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) f racas .

The key figure in the incident, Chang Jiun Haur, was the first to take the stand. Aided by an interpreter, the 23-year-old related the incident in Cantonese.

Chang told Suhakam that he, his sister and two friends were driving along Persiaran Mahkota Cheras 1 at 11.30pm when they came upon heavy traffic.

"There were cars ahead and behind us," he said. "But when we saw the blockade and Federal Reserve Unit officers ahead of us, we tried to turn around."

Asked how fast he was driving at that time, Chang said: "About 20-30kmh because there were cars in front of us."

"However, when we stopped while trying to do a u-turn, the FRU personnel pounced on my car and started kicking and hitting the car with their batons."

'Pulled me out and whacked me'

Shocked by what was happening, Chang locked the car’s doors. However, FRU members allegedly smashed the window on his side, unlatched the lock and opened his door.

He was then allegedly dragged out of his car, kicked and beaten by some seven to 10 FRU personnel.

Responding to a question, the mechanic said that he did not know why he was assaulted.

"In fact, there was no warning whatsoever. They just pulled me out and whacked me," he claimed.

Chang also said that his car was not moving at the time.

"The engine was still running but the gear was in neutral. When they opened my door, they turned the ignition off and yanked out the keys."

What took place after the alleged beating, however, is still sketchy to him. Asked if he had attempted to get up after the incident, Chang said he could not be sure.

"I think I only regained consciousness while in the Kajang Hospital. I have seen videos of the incident and saw myself walking but I cannot remember it very well."

Sister tried to halt 'beating'

After a short recess, Chang’s sister testified to shed more light on the incident.

"I wasn't beaten but the FRU officer who opened my door, stretched across me (while I was seated in the passenger seat) to strike my brother on the arm several times with his baton," Jiun Mein told the inquiry.

"After that, I was told to leave the car and was escorted by a female FRU member to the side (10m away) where I watched my brother being beaten," said the 20-year-old student.

She said her brother did not struggle or resist the alleged beating.

And wh en she begged her minder to tell the FRU officers to stop, the female officer declined.

Asked if she saw how many times the FRU members had struck, Chang said she could not tell as his face was too bloodied by then.

After the alleged beating, Jiun Mein said they were escorted from the area past a barricade to a bridge below the Cheras-Kajang flyover.

She said her brother was helped by their friend Chan Siew Meng, adding that Chang fell while attempting to climb over the four-foot high barricade.

After that, the four were taken to the Kajang police station in a 'Black Maria'. At the police station, she was allowed to call her parents.

While this was happening, Chang was taken to the hospital.

Fifteen minutes later an assemblyman (who was not identified) showed up at the police station and insisted that Siew Meng, who was also allegedly beaten, be taken to the hospital for a medical check-up.

Asked if she thought they were under arrest, Jiun Mein said: "Yes! Although I was not handcuffed, the other three were. And even at the police station, my brother and our friends were still handcuffed."

The public inquiry, which is the sixth by Suhakam, is being conducted at its headquarters in Menara Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur.

The inquiry panel is headed by commissioner Zaiton Othman, and includes commissioners Dr Chiam Heng Keng and Khalid Ibrahim.

Terms of reference

Twelve witnesses are scheduled to take the stand today, with Suhakam expected to call a total of 22 witnesses in all.

Among those who have been asked to testify are Malaysiakini journalists Syed Jamal Zahiid and Lee Weng Kiat and videographer Ng Kok Foong.

The panel's three-point terms of reference are:

a) To inquire whether or not any law enforcement personnel, in performance of their duty to maintain law and order, had used excessive force during the incident;

b) If there was excessive use of force, whether there was any violation of human rights of any person or persons and, who were responsible for such violations, and

c) To recommend what action to be taken against those responsible for the violation of human rights.

Watch 6-min video of police beating Chang

SPECIAL REPORT: The Grand Saga in Cheras