Malaysia

Just trying to be myself: social media spotlight perplexes Inspector Sheila

Suspended cop hopes her name can be cleared in court

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 13 Jul 2023 12:17PM

Just trying to be myself: social media spotlight perplexes Inspector Sheila
Sheila Sharon Steven Kumar (seated centre) says her only motivation to appear on social media was to portray her true self instead of what was alleged by certain quarters through the same platform. – IAN MCINTYRE/The Vibes pic, July 13, 2023

by Ian McIntyre

GEORGE TOWN – Social media sensation Inspector Sheila Sharon Steven Kumar is perplexed why she was suddenly thrust into the limelight following the decision by police to charge her with three counts of intimidation and outraging the modesty of two male cops.

Sheila, who is now suspended pending the disposal of her case, said her only motivation to appear on social media was to portray her true self instead of what was alleged by certain quarters through the same platform.

She was alleged to have intimidated a senior citizen over a parking space and two subordinate officers through a series of video clips shot by certain parties, who had inadvertently sent the clips viral by posting them online. 

Speaking to The Vibes after meeting with her legal team led by former PKR deputy secretary-general S. Raveentharan, Sheila said that she respects the due process of the law and hopes that her name can be cleared in court.

She was also in Penang to seek spiritual guidance.

Her father follows the Hindu faith, while her mother is a Roman Catholic.

Meanwhile, she said that she is taking in social media requests, including from the media, to share her experiences.

“I really don’t know why I am suddenly on social media. I am trying to be my own person.”

Her father had encouraged her and her six other brothers to join the police force, but only she and one of her brothers had decided to don the blue colours.

Sheila said that she is dismayed over what had transpired, saying that she was just trying to follow in the footsteps of her father, who was a disciplinarian to be reckoned with.

“I am sad over the entire matter. It is okay if I am criticised but if anyone wrongly accuses my father of anything, they have to deal with me,” the 35-year-old said.

Sheila is also keen to share her experiences in policing, saying that the public now needs to be wary of white-collar crime such as scams.

When she was on active duty, Sheila said that she was motivated to defend the rights of fellow citizens, while placing special emphasis on protecting women from crime.

She is now busy preparing for her defence with Raveentharan and another counsel M. Manoharan, a former Hindraf activist, who served once as a Selangor assemblyman.

She said that the court proceedings would shed more light on the accusations levelled at her.

Raveentharan hopes that the case will not be a trial by media, adding that the due process of the law needs to be observed. – The Vibes, July 13, 2023

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