Police file report on 'slap' incident, initiate probe

Police are investigating the incident where movie producer David Teo was slapped in front of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

This is despite Teo and his assailant, comedian Sulaiman Yassin, shaking hands upon the prime minister's request following the altercation during an event in Putrajaya last night.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Putrajaya district police chief Rosly Hassan said the case would be probed under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.

"Even if they have settled it among themselves, we feel there is a need to investigate the incident because it (videos of the assault) has gone viral (on social media).

"I was told both of them have settled the matter, but the impact is there due to the video clips that went viral," he added.

Rosly said netizens were upset because the incident happened in front of the prime minister.

He said the police have lodged a report on the incident themselves in order to open an investigation.

"We will summon all those involved and we will refer (the investigation papers) to the Attorney-General's Chambers for a decision," he added.

During the TN50 event at the prime minister’s official residence in Putrajaya last night, comedian Sulaiman Yassin, also known as Mat Over, slapped movie director Teo after he went on stage and attempted to direct a question at Najib.

Teo was then questioning actor Rosyam Nor, who moderated the event, on allegedly not giving equal opportunity for everyone at the forum to voice their views.

Criticising Teo as being “disrespectful” to the PM, Rosyam eventually allowed him to express his views, which the director started by reciting a poem.

At this point, Sulaiman hit Teo, who reacted by trying to kick his aggressor, and a brief tussle ensued, before police officers intervened.

Commenting further, Rosly said the cops will look into the case from the beginning of the incident until the video went viral.

When asked will more investigation paper open along the probe, he said, this depends on the evidence and decision will be made by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Earlier, Rosly told a press conference that the cops will probe various reports lodged in relation to the slapping incident.

He urged netizens to refrain from making any comment on the matter.

“Just ignore whatever went viral (in the social media), no need to comment. Give police a chance to investigate the matter and we will probe from all aspects,” he said.

All parties urged not to prolong the matter

Meanwhile, Yayasan Perdana Ummah, one of the joint organiser of TN50 programme, urged all parties not to prolong the matter, since both parties have apologised.

“It is our wish that the matter not to be prolonged and all parties let bygones be bygones as both of them apologised,” said Yayasan Perdana Ummah president Rizal Mansor, who is also an aide to the prime minister’s wife Rosmah Mansor.

“They have no intention to show disrespect to the prime minister,” he added.

“The incident which happened between David Teo and Mat Over does not affect the main purpose of the TN50 dialogue - entertainment activists,” he said.

What is more important is that the voices, idea and views of the activists brought to the attention of the prime minister for his consideration to bring a holistic development in drafting the TN50 plan, according to Rizal.- Mkini