Arson attack: Consider attempted murder in probe, MP urges cops

 

The police should investigate the alleged arson attack on Ngeh Koo Ham’s home from various angles, including for attempted murder under Section 307 of the Penal Code, said Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh.

He also said the police should consider aspects where the perpetrator chose to attack when the victims were asleep and helpless.

“As such, the intention to cause death cannot be ruled out.

“Plus, we must also look into causes behind the incident, whether the perpetrator was induced or incited to commit the offence due to statements made by irresponsible parties,” he said in a statement.

Ramkarpal was responding to a statement by Perak police chief Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri yesterday, who said that they have detained one individual for alleged involvement in the attack.

Ramkarpal Singh

“The arrested individual is in his thirties and does not possess a criminal record.

“A remand application was made and approved for five days until Jan 16 for further investigation,” he was reported as saying.

Yusri added that the case was being investigated under Section 435 Penal Code, which touches on causing mischief by fire and carries 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine.

While commending the police for their fast action, Ramkarpal said that if the perpetrator was incited to commit the act, the irresponsible parties could be prosecuted under Section 505 of the Penal Code, which covers making statements conducing to public mischief.

“The fact that the act was carried out in the wee hours of the morning indicates a strong possibility that the perpetrator(s) had the intention to inflict more harm than what actually occurred,” he claimed.

Not linked to any party

Earlier today, Yusri said the perpetrator is not a member of any political party.

“The man, who is in his 30s, is not a member of any political party.

“In fact, he doesn’t even live in Manjung,” Sinar Harian reported him as saying.

On Jan 10, Ngeh’s home suffered an alleged arson attack at 2.50am.

While no one was hurt, the Beruas MP’s three vehicles got razed in the incident. - Mkini