We, the members of G25, would like to express our deep concern over the government’s insufficient response on the assault of Ong Ing Keong, a ride-hailing driver with a disability, by a police officer in May 2024.
We, G25, will not allow this matter to die down.
We echo the national human rights commission Suhakam’s calls in their statements on 16 August and 21 September to expedite the criminal proceedings in this straightforward case, which falls under Section 323 of the Penal Code. Any delay in expediting this case erodes public confidence in our legal institutions and the rule of law.
Transparency and accountability from the attorney general, who is also the public prosecutor, is crucial in ensuring that the victim receives the justice and redress he rightfully deserves.
Law enforcement officers are duty-bound to protect the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
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Any abuse of power is unacceptable and directly contradicts the principles enshrined in our Constitution and international human rights standards.
Article 8 of the Federal Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law. These are principles that must be strictly adhered to by all public authorities, including the police and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
This incident also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive training for law enforcement personnel to prevent violence and abuse against individuals with disabilities, in line with Article 13(2) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008.
It is crucial for the Attorney General’s Chambers to act swiftly in handling this case to demonstrate a firm stance against abuses of power and to reinforce the government’s commitment to the principles of transparency and the rule of law, and in upholding and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly those with special needs.
We, thus, call on the Attorney General’s Chambers to provide regular updates on the progress of this case to the public. Prompt action against the police officer will deter other members of law enforcement who think they can get away with the same. It will also assure the public that we, the people, are protected against abuses by those in law enforcement.
On the other hand, if the attorney general takes the position that he does not propose to take any legal proceedings against the police officer concerned, he must promptly explain his justification to the public to assuage any negative public perception of the government.
We fervently hope the government will uphold its pledges to ensure transparent and accountable government based on the rule of law and principles of justice at all levels of administration.
In light of this episode, G25 repeats its earlier call for the need for the government to expedite the proposed amendment to Article 145 of the Federal Constitution to remove prosecutorial power from the attorney general. It should vest the power of prosecution on an independent authority to be known as the director of public prosecution. – G25 Malaysia
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