MBPJ withdraws complaint against elderly man in stray dog fracas

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has withdrawn its complaint against an elderly man for allegedly obstructing one of its officers in an operation to nab stray dogs earlier in March.

However, the prosecution will continue with its court case against the man, Patrick Khoo, over a charge of obstructing an MBPJ officer from carrying out his duties.

When contacted by Malaysiakini, the 69-year-old’s lawyers Rajsurian Pillai and Tay Chee Fu confirmed that this was what the prosecution team informed the Petaling Jaya Magistrates’ Court during the mention of the case earlier this morning.

“The DPP (deputy public prosecutor) has confirmed today that the complainant has withdrawn his report and that the investigating officer has proceeded to record his statement confirming the same.

“However, instructions from the (Selangor) state prosecution director are to proceed with the charge. No reasons were given,” Rajsurian said.

The counsel said that Khoo’s legal team as a result would be sending a letter of representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to consider dropping the case since MBPJ has withdrawn the complaint.

Rajsurian added that the Magistrates’ Court then set Dec 22 for further mention of the case to update whether the AGC accepts Khoo’s representation.

Malaysiakini is attempting to reach out to prosecutors on the matter.

Sheltering strays

On March 31, before the Magistrates’ Court, self-employed Khoo claimed trial to the charge of obstructing an MBPJ officer from catching stray dogs.

He was accused of deliberately preventing MBPJ personnel Azizul Azzim Norehan from carrying out his duty at a house in Taman Kanagapuram, at 9pm on March 22.

Framed under Section 186 of the Penal Code, the charge carries a maximum prison term of two years, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both upon a guilty verdict.

Khoo was allowed to be released on RM2,000 bail with one surety, pending the disposal of his court case.

Prior to Khoo being charged in court, the media reported that the police were investigating a recording that went viral on social media showing an altercation between MBPJ officers and a man during an operation to nab stray dogs.

The man was alleged to have tried to protect a pack of stray dogs by letting the animals into his premises, purportedly prompting a team of dog catchers to try to stop him. - Mkini