Cops non-action over video of man slapping woman raises eyebrows

The police can still probe the viral video in which a man was seen slapping a woman for not wearing a tudung (headscarf) even though no reports have been lodged over the incident, said a DAP MP today.

Bukit Gelugor parliamentarian Ramkarpal Singh said in various cases, the police themselves have formally lodged their own reports so that investigations can commence.

"For example, if you see somebody being murdered on the street, nobody saw it and nobody lodges a report, it is absurd to say the murder will not be investigated," Ramkarpal told reporters outside the Northeast police headquarters in Jalan Pattani, Penang.

"Usually the police themselves will formally lodge a report. Not doing so, in this case, raises questions and eyebrows as to why such basic requirement was not done," added the lawyer.

Accompanying Ramkarpal at the scene were Penang Island City councillor Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Amanah Wanita chief Aida Yusof Rawa, Bersatu Wanita chief Marshida Liza Marzuki and PKR's Nur Zarina Zakaria (photo).

Penangites were aware of the video only when it was reported in the media, including the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom and Channel News Asia.

Ramkarpal said the video clearly shows that an offence has been committed under the Malaysian Penal Code, and various other Acts as it involved an assault and violence against a woman.

He pointed out that the matter may even violate the provisions of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission as viraling such acts may be motivated by religious considerations.

"What the motive is behind the offence is a separate matter. It is certainly appalling to have the incident happen in public... and for the person to get away with such a terrible public act," he said.

"We condemn such a mentality, saying the fact that it exists itself is a travesty."

Syerleena, who earlier lodged a police report on the matter, also urged everyone in the video, not only the one next to the victim to come forward and lodge complaints with the police.

"There were so many witnesses, as seen in the video. With this police report and press conference, we hope the women will come forward and tell us the truth.

"This is also to make sure such cases will not happen again. We hear of so many cases of violence against women. This is a way for us to stand up and say such behaviour is unacceptable," added the DAP Wanita national assistant publicity secretary.

The police have said there were no reports filed on the incident. It is uncertain where the incident took place although media reports claimed it happened in Penang.

Syerleena said speculation is rife that the incident happened in Bukit Jambul, Bayan Baru.

"I checked with the MBPP, and they said based on the video, they could only ascertain that it happened at the bus stop.

"However, the MBPP has phased out such bus stops, and there is none like that in Penang island anymore," she said.

Aida (photo) said a Muslim has no right to force others to comply with the headscarf requirement.

"I can only remind others, I cannot go around whacking and slapping others for not doing what I do," she stressed.

Marshida also concurred, saying a Muslim cannot force others to wear the tudung.

"We have a gentler way to ask people to do that, it is more of an education, rather than using force or being violent to others," she said.

"In school, we try to guide the students but when they are adults, it is up to the individual's choice to do it. We don't force even though it is a responsibility of every Muslim woman to don the tudung," Marshida (photo) added.

Nur Zarina said the act was against social ethics and should be strongly condemned and rejected, as Malaysians are civilised.

She added that the perpetrator should be taught a grave lesson, compatible with his action, which not only shamed the victim individually but also all women generally.

"The authorities must take the matter seriously so that it can be a reminder to all that such intolerant behaviour has no place in our society," said the MBPP councillor.- Mkini