I wanted to see his face, says disappointed deaf driver
RK Anand
Published: Nov 5, 2024 7:41 PM
After waiting for justice to be served for more than five months, deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong is disappointed that he did not catch a glimpse of the police officer who assaulted him.
Through the assistance of a sign language interpreter, his response was shared with Malaysiakini via text messages.
“He is also upset that his assailant was let off with a RM1,000 fine,” read the message.
“Ong (above) thought he would face his assailant in court in front of lawyers and the judge like what he sees in the dramas,” it added.
Deaf Advocacy and Well-being National Organisation Malaysia (Dawn) secretary-general Anthony Chong told Malaysiakini that Ong was also expecting his assailant’s photograph to be published.
Published: Nov 5, 2024 7:41 PM
After waiting for justice to be served for more than five months, deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong is disappointed that he did not catch a glimpse of the police officer who assaulted him.
Through the assistance of a sign language interpreter, his response was shared with Malaysiakini via text messages.
“He is also upset that his assailant was let off with a RM1,000 fine,” read the message.
“Ong (above) thought he would face his assailant in court in front of lawyers and the judge like what he sees in the dramas,” it added.
Deaf Advocacy and Well-being National Organisation Malaysia (Dawn) secretary-general Anthony Chong told Malaysiakini that Ong was also expecting his assailant’s photograph to be published.
Anthony Chong
“Ong said that just the person’s name was not enough. Where is his picture? He wants to see the face. Unfortunately, he was not informed in advance about the case. All of it happened suddenly.
“Ong is not satisfied because everything happened without his knowledge,” he added.
Chong also said that Ong would not relent and continue to pursue the matter but did not elaborate.
Guilty plea
Yesterday, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court slapped police officer Muhammad Taufik Ismail with a RM1,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to assaulting the 47-year-old driver outside the St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.
The charge was framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail, RM2,000 fine, or both.
At the time of the incident, the police officer was escorting Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who also called for action to be taken on the matter.
“Ong said that just the person’s name was not enough. Where is his picture? He wants to see the face. Unfortunately, he was not informed in advance about the case. All of it happened suddenly.
“Ong is not satisfied because everything happened without his knowledge,” he added.
Chong also said that Ong would not relent and continue to pursue the matter but did not elaborate.
Guilty plea
Yesterday, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court slapped police officer Muhammad Taufik Ismail with a RM1,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to assaulting the 47-year-old driver outside the St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.
The charge was framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail, RM2,000 fine, or both.
At the time of the incident, the police officer was escorting Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who also called for action to be taken on the matter.
A dashcam footage showing Ong Ing Keong receiving a blow to his right eye
Lenient sentence
In a statement this morning, Dawn also expressed “profound disappointment and concern” over the outcome.
“The court’s decision has raised serious questions within the deaf community and the public.
“For five months, Ong and the deaf community waited, hoping the system would deliver a fair and balanced judgment.
“However, the outcome has left many feeling overlooked, disrespected and unsupported by those meant to uphold justice,” it added.
Dawn pointed out that Ong endured months of fear and psychological distress, unsure if he could find protection from those entrusted with upholding the law.
“The court’s decision failed to consider the long-term impact on him and the resilience shown by the deaf, persons with disabilities, and broader communities that have stood by him.
“Instead, the lenient sentencing implies that violence, even by authorities, is tolerable - a view Dawn cannot and will not accept,” it added.
‘Was it the same person?’
Demanding transparency, Dawn also asked if Taufik was the same person recorded on the dashcam camera assaulting Ong.
“Without confirmation from Ong or his legal representatives, there is no verification that justice has been served on the right individual. If the authorities are confident in this identification, why was Ong not notified directly?
“The lack of transparency surrounding the case, including the anonymity afforded to the assailant, raises serious questions about the integrity of the process.
“Why was the case resolved with such haste? This absence of transparency fuels concerns that some individuals or groups may be shielded from accountability due to their positions,” it added.
Dangerous precedent
Dawn also cautioned that the “lenient sentence” sets a dangerous precedent enabling further abuses without meaningful consequence.
“Dawn believes this quick and quiet resolution, without involving the victim or considering the impact on his well-being, is unacceptable.
“It appears the case was hastily closed in a way that overlooks the victim’s rights and dignity.
“This lack of transparency and engagement sends a troubling message that individuals, particularly those within the deaf and disabled communities, are not afforded the same protections or respect in the legal system,” it added.
Urging the authorities to revisit the case, Dawn said the proceedings must be transparent and there must be channels provided for the victim to be heard.
“Justice must be seen to be done, and we call for more robust accountability, genuine protection, and fair treatment of all citizens, especially those within vulnerable communities.
“Dawn stands with Ong and calls for a review of this case. We urge the authorities to consider the impact of their actions on the communities they serve and to ensure that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law.
“This case represents more than an isolated incident - it reflects the ongoing struggle for equal justice and respect for all Malaysians,” the organisation added.
Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director Zaid Malek, who represented Ong, also described the sentence as inadequate.
Lenient sentence
In a statement this morning, Dawn also expressed “profound disappointment and concern” over the outcome.
“The court’s decision has raised serious questions within the deaf community and the public.
“For five months, Ong and the deaf community waited, hoping the system would deliver a fair and balanced judgment.
“However, the outcome has left many feeling overlooked, disrespected and unsupported by those meant to uphold justice,” it added.
Dawn pointed out that Ong endured months of fear and psychological distress, unsure if he could find protection from those entrusted with upholding the law.
“The court’s decision failed to consider the long-term impact on him and the resilience shown by the deaf, persons with disabilities, and broader communities that have stood by him.
“Instead, the lenient sentencing implies that violence, even by authorities, is tolerable - a view Dawn cannot and will not accept,” it added.
‘Was it the same person?’
Demanding transparency, Dawn also asked if Taufik was the same person recorded on the dashcam camera assaulting Ong.
“Without confirmation from Ong or his legal representatives, there is no verification that justice has been served on the right individual. If the authorities are confident in this identification, why was Ong not notified directly?
“The lack of transparency surrounding the case, including the anonymity afforded to the assailant, raises serious questions about the integrity of the process.
“Why was the case resolved with such haste? This absence of transparency fuels concerns that some individuals or groups may be shielded from accountability due to their positions,” it added.
Dangerous precedent
Dawn also cautioned that the “lenient sentence” sets a dangerous precedent enabling further abuses without meaningful consequence.
“Dawn believes this quick and quiet resolution, without involving the victim or considering the impact on his well-being, is unacceptable.
“It appears the case was hastily closed in a way that overlooks the victim’s rights and dignity.
“This lack of transparency and engagement sends a troubling message that individuals, particularly those within the deaf and disabled communities, are not afforded the same protections or respect in the legal system,” it added.
Urging the authorities to revisit the case, Dawn said the proceedings must be transparent and there must be channels provided for the victim to be heard.
“Justice must be seen to be done, and we call for more robust accountability, genuine protection, and fair treatment of all citizens, especially those within vulnerable communities.
“Dawn stands with Ong and calls for a review of this case. We urge the authorities to consider the impact of their actions on the communities they serve and to ensure that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law.
“This case represents more than an isolated incident - it reflects the ongoing struggle for equal justice and respect for all Malaysians,” the organisation added.
Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director Zaid Malek, who represented Ong, also described the sentence as inadequate.
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kt comments:
Aiyah, what the frigg lah! Murderer of Teoh BH was even promoted. Kidnappers of Pastor Raymond Koh and Che Amri???
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