PN lauds Johor regent's call for thorough probe in alleged assault

Perikatan Nasional said that it welcomes and respects the statement of Johor regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who urged police to conduct a thorough investigation into an alleged incident outside a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.

“PN believes that His Highness’s commitment to sovereignty and the legal process, rejecting actions or threats that violate it, as well as guaranteeing justice to victims is something that all citizens in a democratic and dignified country expect.

“Apart from being a reflection of His Highness’s leadership, such commitment among members and government officials can also be a beacon of hope that the country is able to recover from the ill effects of cronyism, selective prosecution, collusion, misuse of power and so on that have infected us for a long time,” said PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan in a statement.

He added that without strong political commitment and determination, all talk, slogans or dreams of a society and country with integrity, progress, justice and transparency will remain words, slogans and dreams.

“In the meantime, PN also welcomes the statement by the Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain that the team is conducting a thorough investigation into the related case and the parties involved will be called to Bukit Aman to assist with the probe.

“His assurance that no perpetrators will be allowed to escape uncompromising action and the team’s commitment to uphold justice and protect individual rights were also welcomed,” said Takiyuddin.

Yesterday, Tunku Ismail also revealed that the incident, in which a disabled e-hailing driver was allegedly assaulted, involved a police security escort team.

“With reference to the incident that happened at St Regis Hotel Kuala Lumpur on May 28, I was informed the following day and I immediately urged the police security escort team to cooperate with investigations.

“I do not condone any illegal action or intimidation. I urge the authorities to investigate thoroughly the incident where a police officer escort is alleged to have committed a harmful act.

“I hope the authorities will take action in accordance with the law and give the victim justice,” he said on X yesterday, adding that he is aware of an alleged attempt to implicate the royal institution over the matter.

Another twist

In another twist, Malaysian Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing Organisation (Dawn) secretary-general Anthony Chong said that the alleged victim, disabled e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong had inked a total of four reports in relation to his alleged assault but only personally wrote one of the reports, which is the first he had lodged after the incident on May 28.

“There were four reports (in total). The first report - he told the police (about the incident) and signed,” Chong (above, right) told Malaysiakini after checking with Ong.

“Then in the next three reports, he did not contribute anything. The police got the reports ready and asked him to read and then he signed,” he added.

Malaysiakini contacted Chong to seek further clarification about Ong’s comments at the sidelines of a press conference in Petaling Jaya yesterday - where he alleged the police prepared the “second” report and told him to sign.

On Wednesday, Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa said the second report was lodged at 9.45pm on May 28. It stated that Ong did not wish to pursue the matter further as it had been resolved.

Hours earlier, Bukit Aman CID director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain told a press conference that the alleged victim lodged a report at 1pm on May 28 and the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code.

No settling criminal case

Rusdi’s statement led to various quarters calling for the investigation to continue on the grounds that there is no settlement in a criminal case and he then clarified that the case is still being investigated.

“It is not within our power (to close the case), we have to refer to the deputy public prosecutor’s office first,” he told Malaysiakini.

Asked if Ong fully comprehended the contents of the three additional reports, Chong said that he doubted it.

“From what I understand, he does not fully understand what had been written in the reports.

“He only read words about himself - like time, day, work, what happened. He can recognise (these) words and he agreed. However, he cannot make sense of full sentences,” he added.

Previously, it was reported that the 46-year-old alleged victim had filed a police report claiming that the assault took place when an escort of Tunku Ismail had instructed him to move his vehicle.

The man was said to be waiting for passengers who booked his ride at the time.

NGO: Cops 'prepared' three reports for alleged assault victim

'Assault' victim recounts what transpired at police station

Bukit Aman to summon all officers probing 'assault' case - IGP

Johor regent: I do not condone illegal actions

NGO: Alleged assault victim treated like suspect, not victim

Cops say 'assault' case remains open, probe ongoing