Welder identifies his abusers

[Malaysiakini] A welder from Rawang has identified two of several officers who allegedly beat him while he was under custody in various police stations early this month.

The policemen – a senior officer and an investigating officer – were identified during a line-up at the Sentul district police headquarters yesterday afternoon.

Tong Ket Ming, 39, was arrested on July 9 for suspected armed robbery. He claimed innocence.

Tong said he was repeatedly assaulted while being detained at the Rawang, Sentul and Selayang police stations. He said he was also beaten at an undisclosed location.

When the police sought a remand extension, Tong said he was also assaulted after he told the Magistrate's Court of the beatings. He also claimed he was kicked and a rubber hose was used to whip him.

“We are happy the police are taking immediate action. We hope they will continue to be transparent about the case,” said DAP economic advisor Tony Pua, who accompanied Tong and a lawyer to the identification parade.

Fearful Tong 

The parade, which took nearly an hour, was supervised by an assistant superintendent from the KL police headquarters. Over 40 police officers were in the line up.

“They looked stern. There was no reaction from them. He (Tong) was nervous. He said he was afraid he would be beaten up again,” said Pua, who added there was no partition between Tong and the officers.

The identified investigation officer had allegedly typed out a confession for Tong to sign. When he refused he was beaten.

The officer also threatened to bring two witnesses who could purportedly prove Tong’s involvement in the robbery if he refused to sign.

On Monday, another parade will be held at KL Contingent headquarters where Tong is expected to identify D-9 (serious crimes) officers from Bukit Aman who allegedly also beaten him.

Last week, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok had met Federal CID Director Christopher Wan to highlight the issue. Wan said the matter would be looked into.