KUALA LUMPUR — A lawmaker has condemned the apathy of bystanders who watched as others beat and dragged a man at a market in Kemanan, Terengganu, after he allegedly rode his motorcycle into one of the stalls by accident.
Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashi questioned the humanity of society today that such acts could take place without anyone coming forward to help.
She said the attack on the man with disabilities was already shocking and heart-breaking, but worse still was the inaction of those who stood by.
“This is not just an attack on an individual; it is a reflection of our society’s growing indifference and a sobering reminder of how far we’ve strayed from our values of compassion and unity.
“When bystanders choose to look away, they silently endorse the violence. Their passivity sends a message far more dangerous than words: that such cruelty is tolerable, or worse, that those (with disabilities) are somehow unworthy of protection. This is a betrayal not only of the victim but of ourselves,” she said in a statement.
Syerleena added that to stand up in such times need not require direct confrontation, and those nearby could have called for help or contacted the authorities.
She also said capturing evidence to ensure justice is serve was one form of action.
“The smallest action is always better than silence.”
In the incident last Friday, a 47-year-old man was beaten and dragged on the road by several individuals after allegedly riding his motorcycle into one of the stalls at the Padang Astaka Chukai Farmers’ Market.
A viral video of the incident shows him repeatedly apologising while the men who assault him are seen kicking him in the head and throwing fried noodles at him, before taking him by the arms and dragging him on the road.
Persons with disabilities activist, Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, who heads OKU Sentral, also lamented the lack of action by bystanders.
She condemned the attack, calling the viral footage “heartbreaking” as the offence he allegedly committed was likely unintentional.
“What is even more disheartening is that those present at the scene merely stood by and watched without offering any assistance,” Ras Adiba said in a statement yesterday.
Syerleena, in her statement today, said the episode also showed the persistent stigma surrounding those with disabilities.
“Too often, they are treated as invisible or less deserving of respect and inclusion. This mindset is not just wrong; it is dehumanizing.
“While our laws may punish the attackers, true justice will come only when we, as a society, refuse to tolerate such behaviour.”
Kemaman police have arrested four people in connection with the incident and have also urged the public to stop sharing the video of the attack on the victim.
The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.
The victim, who sustained head injuries, received treatment at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah in Kuala Terengganu. – January 20, 2025