KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the police to carry out a thorough investigation into the case involving Harimau Malaya player Faisal Halim and the murder of autistic boy Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin.
While he said he understands the general public’s concern over the seriousness of such crimes, he said investigations must be carried out via the correct process without being influenced by one’s own perception or interpretation of the law.
“I know there are great concerns surrounding the attacks on our football players and the tragic murder of a child with disabilities.
“Though I’m a prime minister, I’m also human, and I share these concerns deeply. I also want to know why these incidents have occurred and who could commit such brutal acts.
“If it’s up to me, I want the police to provide answers promptly, but we must respect due process.
“Our focus is on justice, regardless of the perpetrator.
“I will make sure the Home Ministry carries out a swift and thorough investigation.
“In the meantime, let’s refrain from making assumptions and instead adhere strictly to legal procedures,” he said in a speech at an event with civil servants today.
Anwar also said that he recently met with Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, requesting that the investigation be thoroughly expedited without any interference.
Yesterday, the investigation into the murder case of autistic child Zayn, which captured nationwide attention, led to both his parents being charged at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court today.
Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 29 years old, pleaded not guilty to a charge of neglecting the child in a manner that could have potentially caused him physical injury in December last year.
Meanwhile, Faisal Halim, a national football team and Selangor FC winger, was attacked with acid at a shopping mall on May 5.
The attack left him to suffer with fourth-degree burns on his face, arms, and torso – affecting his speech and movement.
The incident was among a series of attacks on footballers last month, though police have denied that the cases were related. – June 14, 2024