Bukit Aman: Don't turn justice into vigilantism

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has warned against the prevalence of mob justice following the death of two suspects - a snatch thief and a flasher - who were attacked by members of the public in two separate incidents recently.
Federal Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said they understand the public's frustration when witnessing crimes, but strongly advised against taking matters into their your own hands.
"We don't want justice to turn into vigilantism," Azmi told the New Straits Times.
"Malaysians must allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties.
"Let the police investigate and take appropriate action through legal means.
He said the public should immediately contact the police in such situations and avoid actions that could lead to unintended consequences or criminal liability.
In two recent incidents, police arrested 15 people who were suspected of assaulting the suspects which led to their deaths.
On July 27, a 51-year-old man was beaten to death by members of the public after he had allegedly committed sexual harassment by exposing his private parts at the parking area of a supermarket in Jasin, Melaka.
Members of the public, who noticed the suspect's behaviour, gave chase and caught up with him. He was then assaulted.
The suspect, who was married, was found dead in front of a kindergarten.
Following the incident, police arrested seven people, including a Pakistani national to assist in investigations.
On July 22, a suspected snatch thief was allegedly beaten to death in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
The snatch incident, involving a 36-year-old kindergarten teacher occurred in a residential area in Batu 9, Cheras. Her screams alerted several member of the public who caught and assaulted the thief.
Paramedics confirmed that the suspect, believed to be a foreigner, had died, believed to be as a result of the beatings.
Police arrested eight men, aged between 22 and 72, who were believed to be involved in the assault of the suspected thief.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) executive council member Datuk Muhammad Fuad Talib said no one was above the law.
The former Subang Jaya police chief said laws have been enacted through public representatives and should be respected.
"Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
"It should be remembered that the court of law will sentence these offenders once they are convicted," he said adding that the public should not punish suspects.
He said such actions were nothing more than seeking vengeance.
"No one should inflict harm or use excessive force when apprehending and effecting a public arrest.
"Minimum usage of force could be used if the suspect resisted not to cause injuries or death," he said adding that if the suspect surrendered and did not resist, no harm or force could be inflicted on him.