PETALING JAYA – The e-hailing driver, who was allegedly assaulted by a VIP bodyguard, says that “a representative from the Istana” was present at the police station when he was lodging a report.
Speaking at a press conference at Lawyers for Liberty’s (LFL) office here today, the victim Ong Ing Keong said he was unable to identify from which palace the representative was from.
The incident, he said, occurred on May 28 when he was at the lobby of the St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur picking up passengers.
“When I was opening the car boot, I noticed flashing police lights and was asked to move.
“I was uncomfortable because my customers weren’t in the car yet and asked if I could wait there.
“After the customers got in, as I was taking off, I saw a hand coming towards me and punching my right cheek,” Ong said through sign language interpreter Lucy Lim.
Ong and Malaysian Deaf Advocacy and Well-Being National Organisation co-founder Anthony Chong re-enacted the attack.
When the victim was at the Brickfields police headquarters to lodge a report over the incident, he was asked to show footage from his dashcam and the police who viewed it remained quiet for a long time before referring the video to other officers.
While he was at the station, Ong said a man appeared and he was told that the individual was a representative from the palace.
“The representative told me I have two choices, either take the compensation or proceed with the matter which will result in the confiscation of my phone.”
Because he needs the phone for work and communicating with family, Ong said he took the compensation offer under duress.
He added that he sought medical treatment after the attack and experienced red eyes, swollen lips, and pain in the jaw when chewing food.
LFL adviser Latheefa Koya, who was also present at the press conference, said police statements to the press on the matter being settled were untrue.
Latheefa added that the police have contacted Ong and will be present at the Brickfields police station to give his statement. – May 31, 2024