KUALA LUMPUR – The man arrested over the arson attack on Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham’s residence is not a member of any political party and his motive for carrying out the act is still unclear, police said.
Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri told Scoop they are still investigating the suspect who was arrested in Selangor yesterday and has been remanded for five days.
“We detained the suspect in Shah Alam, he is indeed from there. He is not a member of any political party.
“(Yet) he is willing to travel to Perak to commit the crime. We are investigating further his motive for doing so.
“Was it revenge? That is also under investigation” Yusri said when contacted.
The man, in his 30s, was arrested in Shah Alam at 4am yesterday. Police also confiscated two mobile phones.
The suspect has no previous criminal record. He will be remanded until January 16.
The case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which pertains to “treachery by fire” and the suspect, if convicted, can be jailed for up to 14 years and fined.
A Molotov cocktail was thrown into Ngeh’s residence in Ayer Tawar, Perak, at about 3am on January 10.
A Mercedes Benz was completely destroyed, while a Honda CRV and Toyota Hilux were damaged in the blaze. The ceiling and roof of the porch were also damaged by the fire. No one was injured.
Ngeh later said the attack was linked to his recent proposal for non-Muslim law experts to be made members of a special government committee on shariah law and shariah courts.
Following a backlash, the DAP politician apologised for making the suggestion. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke also intervened to quell tempers, calling Ngeh’s remarks a “mistake”.
The cabinet has condemned the arson attack on Ngeh’s home. The lawmaker, however, is also the subject of a police investigation after numerous reports were lodged against him for his remarks on the special syariah committee. – January 13, 2024