'Is this how we treat athletes': MCA Youth pans NFA on acid attack

Summary

• MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong criticises the authorities for classifying the acid attack on national footballer Faisal Abdul Halim as “no further action”.

• He says the decision sends the wrong message that public figures can be assaulted with impunity.

MCA Youth criticised the decision by the authorities to classify the acid attack on footballer Faisal Abdul Halim as no further action (NFA), saying the case cannot be allowed to fade into silence.

“If this is how we treat our top athletes, what hope is there for young Malaysians dreaming of a career in sports?

“Justice must be served. The case must remain open.

“Shutting the file now sends the wrong message that perpetrators can assault public figures with impunity, and the system will not protect the victims - even national heroes like Faisal,” said its information chief Neow Choo Seong in a statement today.

Yesterday, the national footballer’s legal team expressed disappointment over the case’s outcome after Faisal suffered fourth-degree burns from an acid attack 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.

Don’t undermine his trauma

Irked by the decision, Neow said the decision is not only a blow to Faisal and his family but a sad day for sports development in Malaysia.

“Faisal survived a horrific attack that left him with fourth-degree burns, required multiple surgeries, and changed his life forever.

“Though he has courageously returned to the sport, the trauma he has endured cannot and must not be dismissed,” he added.

Neow reminded the government that it also threatens Malaysia’s standing as a safe destination for international sporting events.

“How can we expect to host global tournaments, attract world-class athletes, or grow our sports sector if serious crimes against athletes can occur with no accountability and no resolution?

“Such inaction will also embolden perpetrators and weaken public faith in our criminal justice system,” he said.

Apart from MCA Youth, PAS and Amanah had also criticised the authorities’ decision on the matter, urging the government to explain the matter in Parliament.

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim also suggested Faisal file a legal suit against the police for public misfeasance.

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