KUALA LUMPUR – Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has expressed his solidarity with the senior citizen who was allegedly assaulted by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officers during a dog-capturing operation last week.
His support comes amid deep concerns following the decision to charge the elderly man for obstruction of civil servants in the discharge of their functions on Friday.
In a statement today, the Petaling Jaya MP said as he acknowledges that no person shall obstruct public officers in discharging their duties, the court’s decision regarding this issue will be obeyed and respected.
“At the same time, I am also in solidarity with the elderly man who was at his property, and showed no violence during MBPJ’s dog-capturing operation as seen in video footage shared online.”
The incident, he said, clearly exposed the flaws in the procedures adopted by MBPJ in stray animal management.
“It is unfortunate that enforcement operations supposedly protecting citizens have ended up in a senior citizen being hurt and now facing an obstruction charge tomorrow,” he said.
The public authority, Lee said, should show consideration, a high level of professionalism, care and compassion to all humans and animals in their work with the public, as well as being in line with MBPJ’s mission towards a community caring governance.
“I have urged MBPJ’s internal investigation to be conducted fairly, transparently and without fear or favour.
“It is also high time to reform the spirits, procedures and management of community animals.
“I call for a ‘whole-of-society’ approach in formulating new practices so that pet lovers, animal rights activists, local authority and relevant agencies and individuals can contribute in meaningful ways to create a more inclusive and civilised space for human beings as well as animals in Petaling Jaya,” he added. – The Vibes, March 30, 2023
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