KUALA LUMPUR – Police still have a duty to investigate the alleged criminal assault of a disabled e-hailing driver by an escort of a VIP, a legal rights advocacy group said.
Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) said even if the victim had lodged a second police report to state that the matter had been resolved, police had a statutory duty to continue investigating the alleged offence as the force was tasked with preserving peace and security.
“There is no such thing as a ‘settlement’ of a criminal case between the perpetrator and victim of any incident involving a criminal act.
“Once 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 the police force with the preservation of the peace and security of Malaysia, the prevention and detection of crime, and the apprehension and prosecution of offenders,” LFL director Zaid Malek said in a statement.
He said if police closed the case based on a “settlement” between the victim and alleged perpetrator, it would “lead to the breakdown of our criminal justice system, making the criminal laws a mere farce”.
“If this was allowed, then those in power can exert it to coerce any report filed against them to be retracted.
“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. How can we expect people to comply with laws if everyone is not treated equally before it?” Zaid added.
The alleged assault of a deaf e-hailing driver by the VIP’s bodyguard was confirmed yesterday by Bukit Aman’s criminal investigation department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, who said an investigation paper had been opened.
However, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa later said the complainant had lodged a second police report that the matter had been settled and that he did not wish to prolong the case.
Rusdi’s statement was unclear on whether police had ceased the investigation or not. – May 30, 2024