Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Gan Ping Sieu will write to inspector-general of police Ismail Omar to object against police's action of handcuffing 19-year-old Ong Sing Yee, who allegedly stepped on a photograph of the prime minister.

gan ping sieu on sport betting 250610 02 The senator wanted the police to review its standard operating procedures (SOP) of making arrests, especially against women, teenagers, elders, non-violent suspects and those who surrender themselves to the police.

Gan was responding to the handcuffing of Ong by police when she turned herself in at the Johor Bahru Central police station on Wednesday.

In a statement issued last night, he said it was not necessary for the police to handcuff the part-time model, which could cause lifelong trauma to the teenager.

“Instead the police should adopt a more humane way when dealing with such cases".

Gan, who is also MCA vice-president, commented that the people-friendly policing practised by the police, as well as their collaboration with local organisations and public in fighting crimes, have received positive feedback from the people.

“Now is the time for the police to make appropriate adjustment to the arrest procedures to meet the demands of the public in the new era,” he said.

Gan also advised youths to avoid taking uncouth, irrational or insulting actions when expressing their views or dissatisfactions.

Gerakan also rebukes use of handcuffs

Besides Gan, Gerakan has also rebuked the use of handcuffs on Ong.

The party’s head of central bureau on environment, safety and quality of life Dr Cheah Soon Hai said that it was hugely unnecessary for the police to do the handcuffing after the girl had voluntarily turned herself in without giving any resistance to the police.

NONE “It was an unnecessary show of force by the police to handcuff the teenage girl who voluntarily turned herself in. My concern is that the intimidation and humiliation from the action will probably bring a negative psychological impact to the teenager in the future,” said Cheah, who is also Kedah Gerakan state chairperson and Derga state assemblyperson.

Although the action was in accordance with the laws and was proper procedures, Cheah still felt that the blunt and excessive demonstration of power in a grim manner by the police in this case is undermining the previous efforts by the police to get closer to the people and be approachable.

It will also discourage future suspects from surrendering themselves to the police, he said.

“I hope the police will take in people’s views and make a better change to become more cordial and considerate to the people in the future,” added Cheah.

Guan Eng: Handcuffing girl is double standards