Muhammad Adib was not hit by fire engine - IGP

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun today maintained that firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim was indeed assaulted and not hit by a fire engine in a riot incident near the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ25, Putra Heights early Tuesday.

He said based on information obtained by the police, they did not find Muhammad Adib, 24, was hit by a fire engine as claimed via video clips that went viral on social media.

“If he was not assaulted, how come he is in critical condition today? We are now in the midst of identifying the individuals behind the video that went viral (which supposedly showed Muhammad Adib being knocked down by a fire engine).

“We are also tracking down the individuals involved in assaulting Muhammad Adib. We urge those with information on the incident to come forward to help with the investigations to identify those responsible,” he said.

Mohamad Fuzi said this at a press conference after officiating the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC)’s forum “ Towards Police’s Excellent Service” here today.

Yesterday, the Save Sri Maha Mariamman Temple task force claimed that Muhammad Adib was not assaulted by a group of rioters but he was hit by a fire engine, but the allegation was refuted by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).

In the early Tuesday morning incident, Muhammad Adib was believed to have been assaulted by a group of rioters while was conducting a fire-fighting operation in front of the temple.

In another development, Mohamad Fuzi said police had yet to approve the rally pertaining to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) that is due to take place in the federal capital on Dec 8.

“They (the organisers) have submitted the application ... we have called the organisers. Thus far, we have yet to give the permit as we need to carry out safety assessments, apart from the fact that they are also required to obtain approval from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL),” he said.

On Nov 23, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that the Pakatan Harapan government would not ratify the ICERD.

Subsequently, the government was also of the view that there was no need to organise the rally.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Fuzi said that he was confident that the setting up of the  IPCMC could lead to higher professionalism in the force apart from strengthening aspects like welfare, progress and safeguard rights of police personnel.

He said the bill on the IPCMC was expected to tabled at the next sitting of Parliament.

“The draft of the bill is being formulated.. were are also making certain proposals to make sure the welfare and rights of police personnel are not affected with the setting up of the IPCMC.

“We also want RMP representatives to be in the commission,” he said.

-- BERNAMA