AN INDIAN rights activist was attacked once more over his report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the alleged misappropriation of funds from an employment incentive programme.
Persatuan Harapan India Malaysia (PHIM) chairman Mani Maran Manickam had his hand slashed in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (Aug 5) evening.
He was attacked last month as well and had to receive 16 stitches to the back of his neck after being assaulted by an unknown assailant over his MACC report on the alleged misappropriation of RM100 mil from the Employment Recruitment Incentives Programme (PenjanaKerjaya).
Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Beh Eng Lai confirmed the latest attack in a statement today.
Beh said initial investigations revealed that the suspect, a 36-year-old local man, was not happy with the victim’s (age 42) decision to report him to the MACC for alleged corruption.
An argument ensued, followed by the suspect using a knife to slash the victim’s left hand in front of the Jolly Hair Salon in Batu 5.
“The victim was sent to Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) to get treatment,” Beh said. “Inspections by medical officers found that the victim had a 3cm-deep wound and needs surgery.”
Beh added that the police arrested the suspect in the car park of the Sentul district police headquarters late last night and will be bringing him to court to remand him.
The suspect also has three prior cases on his criminal record.
The case is being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing injury by dangerous weapons or means.
Mani Maran told FocusM he is currently in HKL waiting to get operated on. The surgery is scheduled for later this afternoon.
“Take this seriously”
Meanwhile, the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) condemned the attack and claimed the attacker was a divisional youth chief from MIC.
“This kind of behaviour must be dealt with seriously by the authorities,” GHRF secretary-general S Anbalagan said in a statement to FocusM.
Anbalagan said the attacks were seemingly meant to create fear among non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public who raise issues of alleged mismanagement or corruption, with the intended consequence being that they would be physically attacked, injured or threatened.
“We don’t want this kind of people misusing their power and position,” he said. “They are supposed to set a good example to society but are instead walking around carrying a knife like a thug.
Such individuals should not be left off scot-free because of their political influence, he added.
Any feuds or dissatisfaction, Anbalagan said, should be made through the proper channels, as follow the law.
While Beh did not reveal his identity in his statement, he reportedly confirmed with Free Malaysia Today (FMT) that the suspect was a politician. – Aug 6, 2022
