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Police are still actively investigating the case of the deaf e-hailing driver who was allegedly assaulted by a royalty’s escort, Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa said.
Rusdi had earlier said the disabled 46-year-old man lodged another report to state that he did not want to prolong the matter.
It was also reported earlier today that the case was "settled" after the victim allegedly accepted RM800 from a representative of the assailant.
"The policemen involved in this incident will be called up to the Federal police headquarters to assist in the investigations," Rusdi said.
Rusdi said the authority to “settle” or close such cases does not lie with the police.
“It is not within our power (to close the case), we have to refer to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s office first,” he said.
The investigation into the alleged assault will follow due process, he said, with the findings to be presented to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.
The Malaysian Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing Organisation (DAWN) in a statement yesterday said it was alarming that the victim was allegedly pressured to settle the case for RM800.
"The victim said he felt pressured to drop the case and be compensated for his injuries instead of pursuing the matter which would see his mobile phone confiscated," Dawn had said.
"He was told that if he were to proceed with the case, his mobile phone would be confiscated, but if he were to drop it, he would be compensated for his injuries.
"The question remains: how is the phone related to the assault incident?"
The victim had lodged a police report after he alleged he was assaulted at the hotel entrance as the VIP's convoy was leaving.
Although authorities did not name the individuals involved, it is widely believed that an escort of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim was the one who allegedly assaulted the driver in front of the hotel.
Tunku Ismail hit out at attempts to link the royal institution to the alleged assault, saying he does not condone any illegal action or intimidation.
"I urge the authorities to investigate thoroughly the incident where a police officer escort is alleged to have committed a harmful act.
“I hope the authorities will take action in accordance with the law and give the victim justice.
“I am also aware that there is a movement to drag the royal institution by using this incident, but to link the actions of an external security personnel with myself and the entire royal institution is uncalled for,” Tunku Ismail said in X.– May 31, 2024.