Urged Loke to ensure that Ong Ing Keong’s cries for justice do not continue to fall on deaf ears.
Compared to other political parties, DAP has the most sterling track record in championing the cause of those who are “invisible”, and its current secretary-general must keep this tradition alive, said Zaid Ibrahim.
The former law minister urged Anthony Loke to ensure that Ong Ing Keong’s cries for justice do not continue to fall on deaf ears.
Zaid was responding to government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil’s “disappointing response” to a question on whether the cabinet has discussed the assault on the deaf e-hailing driver.
“Under normal circumstances, this should not matter. Because the wheels of justice should turn on their own without interference from the government.
“But this appears not to be the case with Ong, prompting him to turn to the prime minister, who, despite travelling the world to speak about justice, remains silent,” he told Malaysiakini.
Zaid urged Loke to walk in the footsteps of his predecessor, Lim Guan Eng, who landed in prison twice, once for defending an underaged girl.
In 1998, Lim was slapped with a prison sentence under the Sedition Act 1948. He was found guilty of spreading allegations that the then Malacca chief minister Rahim Tamby Chik had raped an underaged girl.
Zaid stressed that it is important for Loke to show to Malaysians that the “fire has not been extinguished” since becoming part of the government.
“We are talking about DAP’s DNA and ethos. This is the reason people supported DAP. They do not want to see it morph into another MCA or MIC.
“MCA and MIC were the ‘little brothers’ of Umno in terms of number of seats. But DAP has the most number of seats compared to the others in the coalition government.
“DAP must flex its muscles to ensure that power and positions have not attenuated the loud promises of ‘reforms, justice, good governance and fairness’ it rode on to win votes.
“In politics, there would be compromises. But there are certain issues where there can be no compromise,” added the former minister, who resigned in 2008 after disagreeing with the then-arrest of three individuals, including DAP MP Teresa Kok, under the Internal Security Act.
Therefore, Zaid urged Loke, who is also transport minister, to raise Ong’s plight during the next cabinet meeting and demand an answer.
It has been more than 100 days since the assault took place. There is clear video evidence as well as allegations of attempting to tamper with the police reports.
“So, what is delaying the process? Loke, Ong is counting on you,” he added.
On May 28, the 48-year-old driver was punched in the face outside a hotel in Kuala Lumpur by a police personnel escorting Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
Previously, it was reported that the investigation papers were submitted to the AGC twice – on June 5 and July 27 – but there has been no development since then.
Tunku Ismail himself had urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation, stating that he does not condone illegal acts.
“I hope the authorities will take action in accordance with the law and give the victim justice,” he said. – Malaysiakini