Malaysian deaf e-hailing driver still waiting for justice following assault by VVIP security escort

MALAYSIA: Ong Ing Keong, a deaf e-hailing driver who was assaulted by a VVIP security escort personnel at a hotel in May, is still waiting for justice despite filing a police report.

After a two-month wait, the 46-year-old, accompanied by his lawyer, on Wednesday (14 August) decided to release the dashcam footage of the incident.

The incident occurred outside the St. Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on 28 May, where the security personnel was reportedly escorting Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim at the time.

During a press conference at the Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) office, reporters were shown footage of Ong driving through the hotel lobby to pick up passengers.

Flashing lights, believed to be from the escort convoy, can be seen approaching the rear of Ong’s vehicle. A man in a suit then demands that Ong move his car.

Ong can be seen using sign language to inform the man that he is waiting for a passenger. As Ong begins to comply, a security personnel is heard shouting, “Move!” Moments later, another man suddenly approached and punched Ong in the face, causing his head to snap back and resulting in bleeding from his lips.

Speaking through a sign language interpreter, Ong expressed his frustration with the lack of justice.

“I really hope the suspect will be brought to justice. I have shown my face to the media. Why has the suspect not been revealed? I feel very depressed by the prolonged silence on this matter,” Ong said.

Malaysian Police Chief Confirms Disciplinary Action Against Officer Involved in Assault

Ong’s Lawyer N. Surendran stated that the footage was provided to the police immediately after the incident.

“Despite such clear evidence, no one has been held accountable for this assault on Ong. It is evident that the perpetrator is someone from the escort. The investigative body knows their identity, so why have charges not been filed?” Surendran questioned.

He further urged the authorities, including the police, the Attorney-General’s Office, and the government, to take the matter seriously.

Separately, Malaysian police chief Tan Sri Razarudin Husain explained that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has taken disciplinary action against the officer involved, as directed by the Department of Integrity and Standards Compliance (JIPS) at Bukit Aman.

He added that the investigation papers for the case were resubmitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) on July 22, following instructions for further investigation.

“Investigations were conducted last July, and disciplinary action has been taken,” he stated when contacted by Bernama on Wednesday.

However, Ong’s lawyer Surendran argued that the matter could not be dealt with as an internal police disciplinary matter.

“This case does not encompass only a police disciplinary matter. It involves an assault and battery captured clearly on video. The victim had suffered pain, injury and emotional trauma.

“This is a criminal offence under the Penal Code, and a prosecution must be instituted in line with the usual procedures under our criminal justice system.

“There is also a strong public interest element as it involves an unprovoked assault by a member of the police force upon a disabled person who was engaged in his daily occupation,” Surendran said

In July, the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation Malaysia (DAWN) accompanied Ong in submitting a memorandum to the AGC.

They expressed disappointment over the delay in justice and noted that the police had warned Ong not to share the video of the assault, which he complied with, yet justice remains delayed.

On May 31, Tunku Ismail spoke out about the incident. On His Royal Highness’s Twitter page, he reiterated that he does not condone any illegal actions or intimidation and urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

Tunku Ismail also clarified that the personnel involved was a police escort, not a bodyguard.

Merujuk kepada kejadian yang berlaku di St Regis Hotel Kuala Lumpur pada 28 Mei 2024, saya telah dimaklumkan pada hari berikutnya dan dengan segera saya menggesa pasukan pengiring keselamatan Polis Diraja Malaysia untuk bekerjasama dengan pihak penyiasatan.

Saya tidak… pic.twitter.com/WHw8akC0yk

— HRH Crown Prince of Johor (@HRHJohorII) May 31, 2024