Local media platform The Vibes reported that a victim was allegedly pressured to settle a case for RM800, according to DAWN, a deaf advocacy body. The victim, who is deaf, was asked to return to the police station after receiving treatment at the hospital and was required to surrender his phone without any explanation. The victim’s request to make a short text and video call to his wife using his phone was also declined. DAWN criticized the police for retaining the victim’s phone for investigation and failing to respect his privacy as the victim in the case.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa stated that the complainant filed a second police report claiming that the matter had been resolved amicably on the evening of May 28. Johor Regent Tunku Ismail was informed of the incident and urged the Royal Malaysian Police to cooperate with investigations. Tunku Ismail emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough investigation and taking necessary actions in accordance with the law to provide justice to the victim. He also urged all parties to allow authorities to conduct a proper investigation without linking the incident to the royal institution.
The Parti Keadilan politician and criminal defense lawyer, Hassan Abdul Karim, stressed the importance of the police continuing with investigations, especially since the crime of physical assault was alleged, falling under the penal code. He emphasized that the police have a duty to call up the alleged assailant for questioning and open an investigation paper under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The opposition coalition in the federal government, Perikatan Nasional, expressed support for Hassan’s call for police to proceed with investigations and uphold the principles of the rule of law.
In response to claims made by the disabled driver that he felt pressured to reach a settlement, Malaysian police chief Razarudin Husain stated that all police officers involved in the investigation of the case will be questioned. Federal police are investigating the allegations and have vowed to take stern action against any officers found to have breached the law. Razarudin emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent any wrongdoers from escaping punishment. He also mentioned that if an officer in the Johor regent’s police escort team was confirmed to have assaulted the disabled driver, stern action would be taken.
Overall, the incident involving a disabled driver who felt pressured to settle a case and had his phone retained by the police has sparked calls for a thorough investigation and justice for the victim. Various individuals and organizations, including the Johor Regent, have highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within the police force. The case serves as a reminder of the need to address issues such as selective prosecution and institutional bullying to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.
