Form RCI to probe assaults linked to royalty, Latheefa says
G Vinod
Published: Oct 26, 2024 7:55 PM
Lawyer-activist Latheefa Koya urged the government to form a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) over two individuals who still await justice over alleged assaults by those linked to royalty.
“An RCI is necessary because the usual organs of the criminal justice (system) have failed to carry out their duties.
“Further, the RCI is warranted because it’s necessary to discover the reasons why the police and attorney-general have not done their duty.
“Only the RCI would have the power to summon the inspector-general of police and the home minister to provide answers,” she told Malaysiakini.
On Oct 17, road construction worker Alias Awang expressed disappointment that action has yet to be taken against his alleged assailants, including a Pahang royal, who stabbed and shot at him on June 6 in Kuantan.
“There has been no action until now, the police are quiet.
Road construction worker Alias Awang
“I am still waiting for developments since the issue went viral. I feel disappointed… I hope there will be justice for me,” Alias told Malaysiakini.
The incident, which was first highlighted by Malaysiakini on Sept 5, also caught the attention of Pahang Crown Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, who urged the police to act without fear or favour.
On Oct 22, the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (Dawn) launched an online petition demanding justice for deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong, who was allegedly assaulted by a police officer on May 28 while escorting a member of Johor royalty.
The group demanded immediate prosecution against the officer implicated and an independent inquiry into the alleged mishandling of the case.
It also urged the attorney-general and the prime minister to give a clear explanation for the lack of action over the case despite Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim himself calling for justice to be upheld.
‘Govt has failed’
On that note, Latheefa said Dawn’s petition was a sign that the rule of law has broken down in Malaysia.
She also said it was the government’s duty to ensure justice is upheld, but they have failed to do so, forcing private citizens to step into the vacuum created by the government’s failure.
“I am still waiting for developments since the issue went viral. I feel disappointed… I hope there will be justice for me,” Alias told Malaysiakini.
The incident, which was first highlighted by Malaysiakini on Sept 5, also caught the attention of Pahang Crown Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, who urged the police to act without fear or favour.
On Oct 22, the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (Dawn) launched an online petition demanding justice for deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong, who was allegedly assaulted by a police officer on May 28 while escorting a member of Johor royalty.
The group demanded immediate prosecution against the officer implicated and an independent inquiry into the alleged mishandling of the case.
It also urged the attorney-general and the prime minister to give a clear explanation for the lack of action over the case despite Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim himself calling for justice to be upheld.
‘Govt has failed’
On that note, Latheefa said Dawn’s petition was a sign that the rule of law has broken down in Malaysia.
She also said it was the government’s duty to ensure justice is upheld, but they have failed to do so, forcing private citizens to step into the vacuum created by the government’s failure.
E-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong (second left)
“The result would be public loss of confidence in the justice system and cynicism towards the institutions of the state,” the former MACC chief commissioner added.
Hurling brickbats at Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Attorney-General Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, Latheefa said the duo is answerable for the failure to prosecute the police officer who allegedly assaulted Ong.
“The AG has a constitutional duty under Article 145 (of the Federal Constitution) to prosecute wrongdoers.
“His failure to do so in this case, in the face of a video recording of the assault, is a breach of his duty put upon him by the Constitution,” she said.
Since the identity of the police personnel is known, Latheefa said there is no excuse for not initiating prosecution against the alleged offender.
“The continued inaction will expose the Attorney-General’s Chambers to public disgust and ridicule. Meanwhile, the home minister, being the person in charge of the police, bears equal responsibility.”
“The result would be public loss of confidence in the justice system and cynicism towards the institutions of the state,” the former MACC chief commissioner added.
Hurling brickbats at Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Attorney-General Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, Latheefa said the duo is answerable for the failure to prosecute the police officer who allegedly assaulted Ong.
“The AG has a constitutional duty under Article 145 (of the Federal Constitution) to prosecute wrongdoers.
“His failure to do so in this case, in the face of a video recording of the assault, is a breach of his duty put upon him by the Constitution,” she said.
Since the identity of the police personnel is known, Latheefa said there is no excuse for not initiating prosecution against the alleged offender.
“The continued inaction will expose the Attorney-General’s Chambers to public disgust and ridicule. Meanwhile, the home minister, being the person in charge of the police, bears equal responsibility.”
No comments:
Post a Comment