KUALA LUMPUR – Lawyer Latheefa Koya has urged the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the police to explain the prolonged handling of the case involving Ong Ing Keong, the deaf e-hailing driver who was allegedly assaulted by an escort of the Johor regent.
Representing the driver, Latheefa said today that despite Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain’s assurance over a month ago that investigation papers had been forwarded to the AGC, neither authority has taken further action in this straightforward case.
“It has now been more than a month since this assurance. No one has been prosecuted for the assault on Mr Ong, and there have been no arrests.
“This case involves a clear instance of assault, captured on dash-cam video footage that has been provided to the police.
“I myself have seen the dash-cam video. The assault upon Mr Ong is clear from the video,” she said.
Latheefa also said that since this case is of public interest, the “long silence” from the authorities is unacceptable.
On May 31, the victim said in a press conference at Lawyers for Liberty’s office that he was punched by a VVIP’s bodyguard at the St Regis Hotel here on May 28 when he was at the hotel lobby to pick up passengers.
Following that, his lawyer, N. Surendran, said that the bodyguard being investigated is reportedly a member of the security detail of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who has called for a thorough investigation, urging authorities to give the victim justice. The crown prince also said the person involved is from the police.
The investigation into the alleged assault was confirmed a day after the incident by Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
Shuhaily said an investigation paper had been opened under Section 323 of the Penal Code on voluntarily causing harm. – July 11, 2024