Cops miswording of “skidded vs speeding” senior citizen driver in PJ fatal crash triggers racist chant

 

FIRST thing first. Dashcam evidence shows that the 70-year-old behind the wheel of the Proton X70 was zig-zagging at high speed before it fatally rammed into a motorcyclist in the opposite direction.

The food delivery rider who was severely injured from the impact died on the spot in the 1.45pm collision at Jalan 17/21, Petaling Jaya yesterday (May 6) with preliminary police findings pointed to the driver having lost control of the vehicle before veering into the opposite lane and colliding with the victim.

The unhurt elderly man who possesses a valid driving licence with initial urine and alcohol screening tests conducted on him coming back negative has since been released on police bail on health grounds (age and medical condition), according to district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shamsudin Mamat.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.

‘Dashcams don’t lie’

But road accidents are not that straight forward in Malaysia especially when they involve parties of different races. This incident is no exception as gauged from insinuation by netizens to two reports by Malay language news portal The Reporter in a Facebook post.

More so in this case as the perpetrator has been released on police bail which is a sure trigger of cops been accused of treating one race favourably while maltreating another.

This was further triggered by the use of the word “terbabas” in the police statement which gives the impression that the car “has skidded” when dashcam evidence clearly shows that the car was driven in high speed.

Thankfully, a Petaling Jaya folk stood out as being exemplary by not taking side in the accident with his remark, “Honestly, better to sit behind bars than behind the steering wheel. ”, which eventually earned praises from the Malay demographic.

“Finally, you know there are double standards among us … that’s what make us all gonna clash each other …,” revealed one commenter with another quipping, “To be honest, there’re many injustices that occur when involving the Chinese and Malays … leniency for the Chinese …”

Well, a few other non-Malay netizens, too, chipped in their inputs which not only calm the uproar among the Malays but show them that nobody is defending the perpetrator on racial grounds if indeed he has broken the law – in this case by driving recklessly to the extent of causing death.

“Don’t use the word “terbabas” (skidded). The driver cuts to the left, then to the right without braking,” observed one Chinese commenter.

“The word “terbabas” is incorrect. Use the words “driving recklessly” and “overtaking recklessly”.

Another seconded: “The driver was speeding and have full control of the vehicle. The driver was manoeuvring without slowing down.” 

 

- Focus Malaysia