Explain why cops beat up student, DAP tells Hisham

(The Star) PETALING JAYA: The DAP has called on Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein to explain the action of police officers who had allegedly punched a college student.

DAP national legal bureau head Gobind Singh Deo said it would be taking legal action against the police following the alleged assault on Koh Chon Weng, 20.

“Koh approached Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh for help. When she called the police, they said the injuries were self-inflicted. That is just ridiculous,” he said yesterday.

On May 24, Koh claimed that he was walking outdoors after clubbing with friends in Bandar Sunway and was approached by three officers who wanted to arrest him.

When he asked why he was being arrested, the policemen gave no reason. A scuffle ensued, which resulted in Koh being allegedly assaulted.

“I don’t understand why such force was used against him. Under the law, it is very clear that a person has the right to know the reason for an arrest and only reasonable force can be used,” said Gobind.

Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar brushed off the police abuse claims made by Koh, saying the latter was behaving in a disorderly manner when Sunway auxiliary police picked him up.

“He was brought back to the Sunway police station where he began throwing a tantrum. He kicked and broke a glass door panel inside the station, and also damaged a door.

“Before he could seriously hurt himself and do more damage in the station, policemen were forced to subdue him. This was how he sustained his injuries,” he said.

Khalid said Koh was immediately brought to a hospital for treatment and was returned to the station. He was released on bail the next morning.

He also questioned why Koh waited until June 3 to lodge a report.