While Ong waits for justice, PM recalls being subjected to 'law's delay'

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today recalled what it was like to be a victim of injustice while speaking on the need for legal reforms.

These injustices, he said, include going through the "law's delay".

"In the experience department, I had my fair share of being subjected to ‘the insolence of office’, the ‘law’s delay’, and gross abuse of power.

"These machinations have sent me from the halls of power to the labyrinths of incarceration! I do believe I have accumulated enough credit hours to be admitted as an honorary member of the Bar as well," he quipped in his opening speech at the LawAsia Conference in Kuala Lumpur.

His remarks came amid continued criticism against Anwar and his government over delays in justice for disabled e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong in an assault case.

Ong, 48, was hit in the face when he was seated in his car waiting for passengers outside a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.

The assailant was a police escort for Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who himself urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

Despite the incident being caught on camera, there have been no developments on charges against the assailant.

Anwar, who has also been a victim of police violence, previously courted criticism when he commented on the delay in prosecuting Ong’s assailant, saying that some cases were time-consuming.

Separately, the family of Teoh Beng Hock has also been waiting for Anwar to deliver on his promise to talk to the police and attorney-general about reopening the investigation into the political aide’s death.

Steering ship of justice

On his call for judicial and legal reforms today, Anwar said this must be reflected as the nation advances with the changing times.

“We must neither be held hostage to the views and demands of the elite nor bend to the dictates of pressure groups serving the interests of the rich and powerful.

“Like skilled sailors navigating uncharted waters, we must steer our laws through the rapid tides of innovation while keeping the ship of justice steady,” he added.

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