Quizzed on deaf e-hailing driver, Fahmi replies 'refer to agency'

Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil has referred a question on the assault on deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong to the relevant “enforcement agency”.

He was asked if the cabinet had discussed the case and about the memorandum calling for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the incident.

“Enforcement agencies. Can ‘refer’ (merujuk) to the relevant agency,” he replied.

On Sept 5, Ong together with Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), submitted a memorandum and a dashcam recording of the assault to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Earlier today, LFL adviser N Surendran pointed out that more than 100 days have passed since the 48-year-old victim was punched in the face by a police escort of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

“What possible justification is there for the failure to bring charges against the culprit and anyone else who abetted him or tried to cover up the matter?” he told Malaysiakini.

Surendran also highlighted the “pin-drop” silence of the PMO regarding the memorandum, which contained five demands.

‘Not my agency’

On a separate matter, Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, was quizzed on the HotFM radio show featuring former Umno leader Khairy Jamaluddin.

“This can be referred to Media Prima. It is not my agency,” he said in reference to the media and entertainment conglomerate which owns the popular Malay-language radio station.

The minister was asked if it was appropriate for Khairy to “mock” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which had generated calls for a boycott of HotFM from certain quarters.

Although he did not mention names, the former Umno leader’s choice of words, tone and mannerisms appeared to mimic the Pakatan Harapan chairperson’s declaration that if his coalition won the election, fuel prices would be reduced the next day.

“Saudara-saudara, hari ini saya menang, besok kita makan ramai-ramai (ladies and gentleman, if I win today, tomorrow, we will have a feast tomorrow),” Khairy said amid laughter when commenting on the prospect of winning Berita Harian’s upcoming Anugerah Bintang Popular award.

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