KUALA LUMPUR: Three People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) members who were allegedly assaulted by a "Datuk Seri" were allegedly offered RM10,000 each to withdraw their police report over the incident.
Rela director-general Zulkifli Abidin claimed that the individual implicated in the assault that occurred on Friday (Oct 27) morning had approached the trio's platoon leader and offered to give the three Rela members RM10,000 each if they withdrew their police report.
"We will not be intimidated and will do no such thing. If he committed the crime, he should be prepared to face the consequences," Zulkifli said at a ceremony to present certificates of commendation to the three Rela members.
Zulkifli said the suspect, a 29-year-old man, had instructed a middleman to call the platoon leader to make the offer on Sunday.
Zulkifli commended the trio's bravery and steadfastness, but said he regretted that the brawl had occurred, which proved that there was still a lack of understanding of Rela's duties and responsibilities.
"I hope that this episode is never repeated and the police will take swift action," he said.
On Friday, three Rela members on security duty during a religious ceremony at Kout Ong Yah temple in Kampung Baru Ampang were allegedly roughed up by the "Datuk Seri".
In the 6.30am incident, one of the three had told the "Datuk Seri" that his car, which was parked right in front of the temple, was causing traffic congestion.
However, this eventually led to him and two other members who came forward to defuse the situation, to be beaten.
They later made a police report at the Ampang police station before heading to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Zulkifli said the suspect had also asked to meet with him and threatened to hurt any Rela member if the meeting did not take place.
"However, when we sent our honorary member, Datuk Seri Michael Chong to meet him, he was nowhere to be found," he said.
Police have urged the suspect to surrender himself at any police station but he has yet to do so.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/10/30/rela-datuk-seri-allegedly-offered-trio-rm10k-each-to-withdraw-police-report-over-assault/#YbfQthdKJhFO2QQW.99
