KUALA LUMPUR – Those who doubt the police’s investigation of an alleged assault by a VVIP’s escort on a disabled e-hailing driver can send their complaints to the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The law minister said reporting to the IPCC was another avenue for those unhappy with how police investigations are handled.
“Malaysia, as a country that practises the rule of law, no one is above the law while a person is innocent until proven guilty.
“However, those who doubt the investigation carried out can make a complaint to the IPCC which has been created as an alternative measure.
“(This is) in line with the commitment of the Madani government to protect the rights of the people, especially the vulnerable groups,” she said in a post on X.
Azalina was referring to current scrutiny of the police over their handling of the alleged assault by an escort of Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim against a deaf e-hailing driver.
The incident took place outside the St Regis Hotel, here on May 28, in which a member of the regent’s security detail had knocked on the car window of the e-hailing driver to ask him to move, before allegedly punching him in the head.
The driver has claimed that he was paid a “settlement” of RM800 by a “representative of the palace” at the police station when he went to lodge a report.
Prior to being paid the money, the driver also said that he was given two options at the police station – be compensated if he dropped his complaint, or have his phone confiscated and the matter brought to court if he pursued the case.
The escort is said to be from the police force, according to Tunku Ismail who has also called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Azalina expressed her appreciation to Tunku Ismail for his firm call, and to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain’s pledge to conduct a thorough investigation. – June 2, 2024