Suhakam questions AG's lack of action in assault case of deaf e-hailing driver

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is concerned about Attorney General Ahmad (AG) Datuk Terrirudin Mohd Salleh’s lack of response regarding the alleged complaint of assault of a deaf e-hailing driver by a police officer

“The alleged incident occurred in May 2024, about four months ago. Unfortunately, no prosecutorial action has been taken against the police officer,” wrote Suhakam in a Sept 21 statement.

It said that the lack of action causes concern over what Suhakam labels as persistent neglect of critical human rights issues impacting vulnerable communities.

“If the Attorney General, who is also the Public Prosecutor, takes the position that he does not intend to prosecute the said police officer, he must announce it to the public stating his reasons in clear terms for the decision not to prosecute,” added Suhakam in the statement.

It also asked why it takes so long to prosecute the police officer if the AG chooses to do so.

“The learned honourable Attorney General needs no reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. Under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, everyone is equal before the law and is entitled to equal protection.

“Silence is not an option on the part of the AG,” wrote Suhakam.

On Friday (Sept 20), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim denied that the police had closed the investigation into the case. He said that the public should give space to the police to conduct an investigation, which may take some time.

Earlier this month, the media reported that nearly 200 individuals representing groups of disabled people, activists and non-governmental organisations, as well as e-hailing workers, called for the Prime Minister’s intervention after claiming that no action had been taken against the party that ordered the driver, Ong Ing Keong to retract his report.

Ong, 48 years old, claimed that he was beaten by an escort officer of a distinguished entourage in the lobby of a hotel in the capital in May on the grounds of blocking the route of the entourage.