Suhakam: Delays in police assault case undermine public confidence

Suhakam has urged the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to take prompt and transparent measures to ensure justice is upheld in the case of a police escort who allegedly assaulted a deaf e-hailing driver.

It said the AGC should expedite criminal prosecution of what should be a straightforward case of assault under Section 323 of the Penal Code.

“The delay in addressing this serious incident undermines public confidence in the institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law and delivering justice.

“Suhakam stresses the importance of the principle of transparency and accountability in the handling of this case to ensure that the victim is accorded proper redress and justice that he rightfully deserves in a prompt manner. Justice delayed is justice denied.

“Furthermore, the public has a right to be informed of the progress of this case and Suhakam calls on the AGC to provide promptly regular updates on the actions being taken,” it said in a statement today.

By addressing the case quickly and transparently, Suhakam said the police and the AGC can assuage public concern that abuses of power will not be tolerated and the dignity of all individuals - including those with special needs - will be respected.

The statement came after the driver, Ong Ing Keong, revealed dashcam footage of the alleged assault and Razarudin reportedly said that the alleged assailant has faced internal disciplinary action as well as an investigation under Section 323.

The assault purportedly took place outside a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on May 28, where Ong was picking up his passenger just as Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim arrived and his traffic escorts ordered Ong to make way.

Dashcam footage showed a man in a suit punching Ong just as his passengers entered the car.

Lack of details ‘concerning’

Suhakam said that Razarudin’s statement that the alleged perpetrator has faced disciplinary action is welcomed news but the lack of details is concerning.

The commission noted, for example, that no information if any punitive measures such as dismissal, suspension, or fine have been taken as part of the action, or whether disciplinary proceedings are ongoing or have been completed.

It added that the incident underscores an urgent need for law enforcement personnel to undergo training to ensure people with disabilities are effectively protected from violence and abuse and have unimpeded access to justice.

This is mandated under Article 13(2) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which Malaysia is a party.

In addition, Suhakam highlighted that Article 20 of the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials - which was adopted by the UN in 1990 - emphasises special attention to the issues of police ethics and human rights in the training of authorities.

Deaf driver assault: Prosecution against cop 'prudent measure' - ex-judge

E-hailing driver assault: LFL wants criminal charge against perpetrator

Police escort who assaulted e-hailing driver has been disciplined: IGP

LFL wants govt to review guidelines for VIP escort

Deaf e-hailing driver tears up over assault video, still waiting for justice

Deaf advocacy NGO demands justice in e-hailing driver assault