KUALA LUMPUR: N. Surendran, the lawyer representing Ong Ing Keong, the deaf-mute e-hailing driver allegedly assaulted by a security escort, has urged the government to review regulations governing VIP escorts.
Surendran emphasised that while the safety of VIPs or VVIPs must be safeguarded, public safety should be given equal importance.
"Whether the escorts are for VIPs or VVIPs, with or without force, the government needs to prioritise public safety," he said.
"The government should review or update regulations to ensure incidents like this do not happen again."
Surendran made these remarks after Ong was questioned at Bukit Aman today.
Ong was accompanied by lawyer Latheefa Koya and his interpreter.
The investigations are under the jurisdiction of the Brickfields police headquarters, while the disciplinary investigation is being conducted by the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department.
Police questioned Ong about the incident on May 28 and the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of police reports made at the Brickfields police station on the same day.
"The first inquiry is into the assault itself, as the perpetrator may have been a policeman," Surendran said.
"The second aspect of the investigation concerns the withdrawal of the police report and the settlement that occurred on the evening of May 28."
Surendran noted the police are investigating who was involved in the withdrawal and what transpired.
When asked if Ong would be called for further questioning, Surendran said he was uncertain, as the investigations were still ongoing.
He also highlighted a significant issue: "Why was there no sign language interpreter provided when Ong lodged his police report? This raises concerns about the treatment and facilities available for the disabled."
Surendran expressed hope that the police would conduct a swift, fair, and impartial investigation and that the Attorney-General's Chambers would make a prompt decision on the matter.
Ong, 46, was questioned for nearly four hours today. He left Bukit Aman at 3.30pm.
He had previously been questioned for almost three hours at the Brickfields police headquarters on June 1.
It was earlier reported that the police were probing the alleged assault involving security personnel.
Subsequently, Ong lodged a report stating that the matter had been resolved and that he did not wish to prolong it.