KUALA LUMPUR – MIC has suspended a party member who allegedly assaulted and injured someone with a sharp object, after a viral video clip of the incident saw widespread condemnation on social media.
Its secretary-general Rajasekaran R. Thiyagarajan announced that the party president has suspended the membership of the person implicated because of his alleged action, as seen in the video.
He said the action is contrary to the vision and mission of the party.
“MIC categorically states that it does not support any kind of violence in any form and manner whatsoever,” he said in a statement this evening.
Rajasekaran stressed that the suspension does not mean the person is guilty of anything.
“However, MIC had to take this action on him now, considering that the video of the incident in question had gone viral on social media and MIC is concerned that if no decisive action is taken, this will set a bad example for all concerned,” he said.
“Any further action by MIC following this matter will be predicated on the investigation and subsequent action by police.”
He added that the party’s principle is to not support any anti-social activities, especially violent criminal activities.
He said MIC has carried out many anti-gangsterism programmes throughout the country, and called on members to uphold the country’s constitution and laws.
“Acts of violence are not the solution to any provocation by anyone,” he said.
Earlier, The Vibes reported that a 36-year-old man had been detained for apparently slashing another man with a knife yesterday, causing a 3cm-deep wound on the victim’s left wrist.
According to Sentul police chief Beh Eng Lai, the incident took place after the alleged attacker was said to be dissatisfied with a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission report made by the victim against the suspect.
Beh said the suspect has three criminal records and will be brought to court for a remand application to assist the investigation.
The investigation is being carried out under Section 324 of the Penal Code, and if convicted, the offender could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both.
Youth wing distances itself from attacker
Earlier today, MIC Youth had distanced itself from the party member, saying his actions do not reflect the wing’s stance.
Its chief Raven Kumar Krishnasamy had said the wing’s leaders had taken note of the media reports and video recording.
“We strongly repudiate the actions of any individual who provokes or uses force to resolve a conflict among them,” he said in a statement today.
“MIC as a party that respects the rule of law always holds fast and respects the roles of enforcement agencies and the law in settling any problems that may arise between whatever party.
Raven had urged police to investigate the incident as best as possible without any sense of “fear or favour” to ensure justice to both individuals who were involved.
He had said MIC Youth was confident that the party would take appropriate action against the member who was involved based on the findings of the investigations. He added that this was in line with the stand expressed by party president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran on the incident.
“Hopefully, this incident will be a lesson to all to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and not react emotionally in resolving any problem,” he added. – The Vibes, August 6, 2022
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