Suhakam
Published: Sep 22, 2024 2:15 PM
COMMENT | Suhakam expresses its profound concern over what appears to be a persistent neglect of critical human rights issues impacting vulnerable communities, despite the call from us and the repeated calls for action from civil societies and the individual affected.
In particular, Suhakam alludes to the alleged complaint of assault by e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong, a person with a disability, against a police personnel. The alleged incident took place on May 28, almost four months ago. But sadly, until today, no prosecutorial action has been taken against the said police personnel.
Suhakam reiterates what we have stated in our previous media statement on Aug 16.
We are deeply dismayed by the deafening silence on the part of Attorney-General Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh on the issue of whether prosecutorial proceedings will be taken against the police personnel concerned or otherwise.
If the attorney-general cum 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.
On the other hand, if the attorney-general cum public prosecutor has in mind to prosecute the police personnel concerned, with respect, why is he taking so long to do so, as this is a straightforward case of assault under the Penal Code.
Attorney-General Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh
The honourable attorney-general needs no reminder that justice delayed is justice denied to Ong (above, left), the alleged victim. Under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, everyone is equal before the law and is entitled to equal protection of the law - and this includes Ong.
We strongly repeat what we had said earlier. No person should be denied his human rights, let alone a person belonging to a vulnerable community.
As this is a case of public interest involving a person with a disability, the attorney-general, as the guardian of public conscience, has a constitutional and moral duty to address the issue. Good governance, the principle of transparency and the rule of law expect him to do so.
Silence is not an option on the part of the attorney-general. There should not be a public perception that the criminal justice system has been compromised or undermined.
Suhakam awaits the response of the attorney-general.
The honourable attorney-general needs no reminder that justice delayed is justice denied to Ong (above, left), the alleged victim. Under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, everyone is equal before the law and is entitled to equal protection of the law - and this includes Ong.
We strongly repeat what we had said earlier. No person should be denied his human rights, let alone a person belonging to a vulnerable community.
As this is a case of public interest involving a person with a disability, the attorney-general, as the guardian of public conscience, has a constitutional and moral duty to address the issue. Good governance, the principle of transparency and the rule of law expect him to do so.
Silence is not an option on the part of the attorney-general. There should not be a public perception that the criminal justice system has been compromised or undermined.
Suhakam awaits the response of the attorney-general.
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