VIP bodyguard who assaulted disabled driver must face court, says lawyer

SHAH ALAM - The suspect in the case of assaulting an e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong should be charged according to criminal law procedures and not merely subjected to disciplinary action.

Ong’s lawyer, N. Surendran said that the incident involving the attack by a VIP bodyguard has caused the victim ongoing trauma.

"This case is not just about police disciplinary issues; it is a clear assault and beating captured on video.

"The victim has suffered pain, injury and emotional trauma. This involves a criminal offence under the Penal Code, and prosecution must follow the standard procedures within the national justice system.

"This matter cannot be handled merely as an internal police disciplinary issue," he said in a statement today.

Previously, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had said that disciplinary action had been taken against the officer accused of assaulting a disabled e-hailing driver in the lobby of a hotel in the capital on May 28.

Following this, the victim released a video of the incident recorded by his car's dashboard camera on Wednesday due to the lack of further action despite claims that the investigation file had been submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC).

Surendran emphasised that the case is of public interest due to the unprovoked attack by a police officer on a disabled individual who was just trying to earn a living.

"We acknowledge that the IGP has confirmed that the investigation file was returned to the AGC last month.

"We urge the Attorney General and the police to ensure that criminal charges are promptly filed against the perpetrator.

"The video evidence is available, and the suspect's identity is known to the police. There is no reason to delay in delivering justice to Ong," he added.