KUALA LUMPUR – Former senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi has voiced her disappointment over the recent alleged assault on a disabled e-hailing driver by a VVIP’s bodyguard.
Ras Adiba, who is also the president of OKU Sentral, a non-governmental organisation representing persons with disabilities, expressed confusion and frustration over the use of violence, especially against someone with a disability.
“First and foremost, he is disabled. Second, you need to respect that he has a job to do. Third, if he is unable to communicate, then you need to understand, look him in the eye and write to him if you cannot use sign language for that matter. And fourth, just because you have power does not mean that you can push people around.
“I do not understand why we have to use violence, I don’t understand why we feel that just because we have power as bodyguards or whatever, I do not understand why you have to show it and flaunt it.
“Next time, if you want to do something, you want to be a hero, or you want to show off your power, go find somebody your own size,” she told Scoop when contacted.
She was additionally disheartened by reports that the attacker was allegedly from the police force, as it contradicts the expected role of law enforcement officers, who are meant to protect the vulnerable.
“We look up to the people in the force; we look up to them; if they cannot protect us, who else will? So, it is not funny when you are on the other side and you are the one that is driving and you are the one that is disabled.
“It is not funny because you cannot communicate and you feel afraid because you are under pressure, you cannot hear the conversation, and people do not understand you. It is not funny,” she said.
She also highlighted that individuals with disabilities face numerous challenges, including discrimination and threats, urging the public to show more empathy and understanding towards the disabled community.
“Some of our colleagues make fun of us and are very curt towards us; some of my friends have been pressured and made fun of, so it is really sad. We have to make sure that people understand that everyone has issues that they go through; nobody is perfect. There is nothing wrong with people understanding, empathising and being there to support and empower the disabled community,” she said.
She said that everyone must advocate for the disabled community, as someone within our circles could potentially have a disability.
“The most important thing is to do awareness campaigns on television, radio, social media, print, and everything else so people understand that there is a particular community in society that is in need of people to understand us a bit more.
“We must not have attitudes towards people with disabilities because it could hit home; it could be somebody close to us; it could be somebody in your family who is on the spectrum, for example, who is dyslexic, autistic, or neuro-diverse; individuals who have depression or anxiety.
“You have to open your minds and open your hearts, and you have to sit people down together and have people listen and understand. We have to create awareness together in the media; it is our responsibility to write about it, speak about it, show it, visualise it, and make it easy to read as well,” she said.
On May 28, Ong Ing Keong, the e-hailing driver, was allegedly assaulted by a bodyguard of Johor’s Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, in front of the St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Following this, Tunku Ismail called for a thorough investigation, urging authorities to give the victim justice.
However, initial confusion arose when KL police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa reported that the victim stated the matter was settled and did not wish to prolong the issue. Rusdi later clarified that the investigation is ongoing.
Recently, on June 5, Ong presented himself at the Bukit Aman police headquarters to provide his statement on the alleged assault.
Federal Police Integrity and Compliance Standards Department director Datuk Seri Azri Ahmad confirmed that the police are investigating possible misconduct within their ranks and that the probe is in its early stages, with more witnesses to be called to give their statements. – June 10, 2024