The perceived inaction with regard to two assault cases is tarnishing the reputation of the royalty, cautioned Zaid Ibrahim.
Citing the incident in Kuantan involving a road construction worker, who was stabbed and shot at, as well as in Kuala Lumpur where a hearing-impaired man was punched in the face, the former law minister noted that Pahang Crown Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had called for action to be taken against the perpetrators.
“But the authorities appear to be dragging their feet at the expense of the royalty’s reputation.
“This is disrespectful. Both Tengku Hassanal and Tunku Ismail have made it crystal clear that the wrongdoers should be brought to justice.
“Disrespecting the royalty is a ‘3R’ (race, religion, and royalty) offence,” he told Malaysiakini.
Zaid was responding to a Malaysiakini report today, which quoted Awang Alias – the victim in the Kuantan incident – expressing disappointment that no action has been taken against the men who assaulted him on June 6.
On Sept 5, Malaysiakini reported that the 44-year-old father of eight claimed that a member of the Pahang royalty was involved in the incident.
Subsequently, Tengku Hassanal urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation, stating that nobody is above the law.
“I want firm police action and a proper fair investigation, without compromise,” he said.
On Sept 20, Pahang police chief Yahaya Othman said the investigation papers have been referred to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.
Elaborating, Zaid argued that the delay in prosecuting the alleged offenders would lead to the impression that Tengku Hassanal and Tunku Ismail’s statements were nothing more than window dressing.
“I am confident the two of them meant their words. So in order not to soil their reputations, the authorities must ensure that justice is served.
“Failing which it will lead to questions as to how the authorities can charge others at breakneck speed but drag their feet on cases where the royalty themselves have called for swift action to be taken.
“Therefore, I urge Tengku Hassanal and Tunku Ismail to demand answers from the authorities and to ensure that their demand for justice to prevail is heeded,” he added.
On May 31, the Johor regent said he does not condone illegal actions after news broke that police personnel in his security detail had assaulted Ong Ing Keong, a deaf e-hailing driver, three days earlier outside a hotel in Kuala Lumpur where he was picking up passengers.
“I do not condone any illegal action or intimidation. I urge the authorities to investigate thoroughly the incident where a police officer escort is alleged to have committed a harmful act.
“I hope the authorities will take action in accordance with the law and give the victim justice,” he added.
Ong and his lawyers have also submitted a dashcam video recording of the incident to the police, who submitted their investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers on June 5, and later on July 27. – Malaysiakini