JOHOR BARU: The 28-year-old driver who was involved in last Friday’s surau fracas has issued a public apology today.
Toh Chai Eun said that he bore no ill intent when he honked at another car driver which got him beaten up outside a surau after Friday prayers concluded at Taman Austin Perdana here.
A week after the incident, of which the video footage of the incident has gone viral, Toh stepped up to issue a public apology to the Muslim community, especially those who were involved in the 1.30pm fracas.
Toh, who is self-employed, went to the Johor Islamic Religious Office (MAINJ) with his brother, Toh Chai Chung, 30, to meet with Johor Religious Council chairman Mutalip Abdul Rahim and advisor Datuk Nooh Gadut.
“What happened on that day was that I was trapped in a traffic congestion and I had something urgent to do,” said Toh, who suffered cuts on his head and body.
He also said that he hoped the case would not be prolonged as it concerned different ethnic groups.
“I hope the public will not blow up this matter anymore as it will disrupt the peace and harmony in a multi-racial community,” he said.
Meanwhile, surau chairman Mohd Khaiidzir Ismail said he too hoped the case will be fully settled.
“We would like to thank everyone at this meeting. Our committee will take the necessary steps to see that a similar incident will not repeat itself,” he said, adding that the meeting showed the spirit of Malaysia.
“We do not want Islam to be labelled as a violent religion,” he added.
Toh was reportedly beaten up after he had sounded his car horn in front of the Seri Austin surau, which provoked a group of men to attack him and damage his car.
The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.