After NFA, Zaid urges footballer to drag cops to court

Summary

• Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim urges national footballer Faisal Abdul Halim to file a suit against the police for public misfeasance after his case was classified as no further action.

• He also laments the lack of transparency in the investigations by the police.

• PAS Youth urges the government to explain the matter in Parliament.

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim urged national footballer Faisal Abdul Halim to file a legal suit against the police for public misfeasance.

This comes after the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) classified his case as no further action after being investigated for a year.

“Faisal has a strong team of lawyers. They should be able to come up with strong recommendations. But they must be brave and willing to pursue the matter till the end.

“Can he sue the police? No statute confers a duty of care on the police to victims of criminal action, but a suit for public misfeasance is worth trying.

“If Faisal can show that the police were not doing their work as they should have been, or deliberately avoiding making an arrest, then an action would succeed,” he said on Facebook today.

‘Don’t close case’

Earlier today, the footballer’s legal team expressed disappointment over the case’s outcome after Faisal was attacked using acid on May 5 last year.

Faisal’s legal team from Mohd Ashraf, Nik Zarith & Co urged the authorities not to let the matter fade into obscurity and to intensify efforts to find the perpetrator.

“Do not close this case. Give justice to Faisal because even though he has returned to playing, this was undoubtedly a serious injury. Police classified this case under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

“This is a serious offence involving a high-profile individual. The outcome of the investigation did not lead to anyone being brought to justice, so he has not received justice.

“For us, this case should not be closed, and the authorities must continue the investigation to arrest the perpetrator. We trust the police - so why label it NFA and stop here?” asked one of the lawyers.

Lacking transparency

On that note, Zaid (above) lamented the lack of transparency in government processes and procedures, especially when it comes to police investigations.

“We live in a country where justice is not easy to get if the perpetrator of the crime belongs to the mafia class.

“So, it’s hard but Faisal must persevere,” he added.

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden urged the government to explain the matter in Parliament.

Calling it a dark day for the nation’s sports history, Afnan said the issue was not only about Faisal’s well-being but also involves the Home and Youth and Sports Ministries’ responsibility towards national athletes.

“The authorities must uphold justice. They are responsible for protecting the citizens regardless of their background.

“Police and AGC must explain their decision to ensure the people’s faith in both institutions is not eroded,” he said in a statement today.

Echoing Afnan’s sentiments, Amanah Youth deputy chief Danial Al-Rashid urged the police and AGC to explain their decision, as the public has the right to know.

“We urge the authorities to establish a new investigation to ensure Faisal gets justice,” the Batu Tiga lawmaker added.

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