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POLICE must continue investigating the claim that a disabled man was assaulted by the bodyguard of the Johor regent, Lawyers for Liberty said.
Zaid Malek, director of the human rights group, said there was no such thing as a “settlement” of a criminal case between the perpetrator and victim of a crime.
“Once the police receive information regarding commission of an offence, they are duty-bound to investigate the matter. Section 3(3) of the Police Act 1967 tasks PDRM with the preservation of the peace and security of Malaysia, the prevention and detection of crime and the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.," he said, referring to the police force by its Malay initialism.
“This duty cannot be disregarded simply because a police report was filed settling or retracting the initial report of the crime.
“If this was allowed, then those in power can exert it to coerce any report filed against them to be retracted. It will lead to the breakdown of our criminal justice system, making the criminal laws a mere farce,” Zaid said.
Yesterday, it was reported that a police report had been lodged against the bodyguard of Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for allegedly assaulting a disabled man at a hotel.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Shuhaily Zain told a press conference the case was filed under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
A police report sighted by The Vibes said the disabled man, a Grab driver, was parked at the hotel entrance as Tunku Ismail's convoy was leaving the property.
It was reported that the man had picked up four men at the hotel before one of the regent's bodyguards had knocked on his car door and assaulted him.
The 46-year-old man sustained soft tissue injuries and was treated in Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Zaid today questioned the police action in the case compared to the actions the force had taken in cases related to race, religion and royalty (3R).
“PDRM’s conduct here is also highly questionable, as other cases in relation to criticisms against government or so-called 3R issues were swiftly investigated and persons involved immediately arrested," he said.
“One cannot help but to make the comparison and question why PDRM in this case did not show a similar zeal here.
“It must be emphasised that in accordance with Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, there must be equality before the law.
“No one can escape justice simply due to their status or connections. To do that would make a mockery of justice.
“We demand that the police continue its investigation on this matter. It must be a thorough, impartial and independent investigation."
Hours after Shuhaily's press conference, Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa said the case had been amicably resolved.
“At 9.59pm yesterday, the complainant made a second police report stating that he had resolved the matter amicably, and did not want to prolong the case,” he said in a media statement.
Rusdi, in the same statement, said Kuala Lumpur police received the first report yesterday at 1pm from the complainant, a Grab driver. – May 30, 2024.