31-5-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Johor regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has addressed the controversy surrounding an incident where a member of his security personnel allegedly punched a deaf ride-hailing driver. In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday (May 31), Tunku Ismail expressed concern over efforts to “drag down the royal institution” by linking the actions of an “external security personnel” to him and the entire monarchy.
The incident in question occurred outside the St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, where a 46-year-old deaf driver working for Grab, a multinational ride-hailing company, was allegedly assaulted by a member of the Johor regent’s security team. According to reports, the driver was asked to move his car while waiting at the hotel lobby, leading to the alleged assault.
The incident has sparked criticism from various quarters, including the Malaysia Deaf Advocacy and Well-being Organisation (DAWN). The association stated that the driver was urged by the police to drop the case and accept compensation, further highlighting the vulnerability and lack of protection for the deaf and disabled community in Malaysia.
DAWN also alleged that the driver was unable to adequately defend his statement due to the lack of a sign-language interpreter during the investigation, and that his privacy was violated when his phone was confiscated without explanation.
Local media reports initially indicated that the police were investigating the case, with a police official stating that no arrests had been made and the reason for the alleged assault was unclear. However, subsequent reports suggested that the driver had retracted his report on the same day, with police claiming he wanted to “settle the matter peacefully without prolonging the case.”
Despite the withdrawal of the complaint, various non-profit organizations and politicians have called for a thorough investigation into the matter, citing concerns over selective prosecution, favouritism, and institutional bullying.
The opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) also issued a statement supporting the calls for an investigation, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and protect public interest, regardless of the parties involved.
In his statement, Tunku Ismail acknowledged being informed of the incident on Wednesday and urging the Royal Malaysian Police’s security escort team to cooperate with investigations. He condemned any illegal action or intimidation and called for authorities to investigate thoroughly and provide justice to the victim.
However, Tunku Ismail also expressed awareness of a “movement to drag the royal institution by using this incident” and deemed it “uncalled for” to link the actions of an external security personnel to himself and the entire monarchy.
