E-hailing driver assault case: Victim relieved but calls fine inadequate

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Ong Ing Keong finds relief after court sentences policeman for assault.

He stressed that as a responsible policeman, the suspect should have been protecting the public rather than causing harm.

KUALA LUMPUR - E-hailing driver with disabilities, Ong Ing Keong, expressed relief after the suspect who assaulted him was sentenced by the court on Monday.

Ong's lawyer, Zaid Malek said that the prosecution of the case, which took place at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court, brought relief to his client.

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However, he stated that the fine imposed on the suspect was insufficient, given that the perpetrator of the assault was a police officer.

He stressed that as a responsible policeman, the suspect should have been protecting the public rather than causing harm.

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"The assault was unprovoked, and the victim is a person with disabilities who was simply performing his duties as an e-hailing driver.

"In the case of Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Mohd Noor v. Public Prosecutor, the Court of Appeal stated the legal principle that, in cases where police officers assault members of the public, the court must send a message of public outrage by imposing strict penalties.

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"In fact, imprisonment should be imposed even if the offender is a first-time offender," he said in a statement on Monday.

Zaid stressed that the delayed prosecution was a result of a prolonged campaign to seek justice for Ong.

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He added that Ong's case garnered support and involvement from the public, activists, lawyers, organisations, and disability support groups such as the National Deaf Advocacy and Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (DAWN).

He expressed gratitude to all parties who supported and showed concern for his case, which occurred on May 28.

"Today, a charge under Section 323 of the Penal Code was filed against the police officer who assaulted Ong.

"He was found guilty and sentenced to a fine of RM1,000.

"This offence can lead to a punishment of up to one year in prison, or a fine of RM2,000, or both," he said.