THE police officer who was caught on camera assaulting a deaf e-hailing driver was disciplined for failing to declare his assets, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain clarified.
Razarudin was responding to calls for transparency regarding the action taken against the officer who punched the 46-year-old driver back in May.
The IGP told a news portal that the investigation paper on the assault case had been submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) last month for further action.
"Failing to declare assets was a breach of the Standing Orders of the Inspector-General of Police (PTKPN), and the officer was given a warning.
"If we continue with an internal investigation for the same assault case (on top of the criminal probe), it will be double jeopardy," he added.
Double jeopardy is a legal principle that prevents someone from being prosecuted twice for the same offence.
Razarudin assured that action would be taken if the officer is convicted in court.
"If the officer is convicted of the charge, we will definitely take action against him," he said.
He revealed that the police had sent the complete investigation paper to the AGC on July 27 and are now waiting for the next step.
"They requested the full medical report, and we sent back the complete investigation paper to the AGC on July 27. Now, we wait for their next move," he added.
The officer is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for causing voluntary hurt.
In May, Ong Ing Keong lodged a report alleging that a police officer escorting Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had assaulted him outside a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
On Wednesday, Lawyers for Liberty released a 90-second video of the incident, criticising the police for the slow progress of the case.
Previously, Razarudin told a Malay daily that internal action had already been taken against the officer, in addition to the ongoing criminal investigation. – August 18, 2024.
