‘Give cops room to probe attacks on footballers, but timely updates must be made public’
Ten days ago, Harimau Malaya and Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim (main image) was a victim of a horrific acid attack that left him physically and emotionally scarred.
He suffered fourth-degree burns to his body.
Faisal was the second national player to be attacked. On May 2, Akhyar Rashid of Terengganu FC was attacked and “robbed” in front of a condominium in Kuala Terengganu. Then, on May 7, Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Safiq Rahim became the third footballer to be attacked in as many days when his car was “smashed” by unknown assailants in Johor Bahru.
Amid the shock and fury over the incidents, there is also incredulity over the seemingly slow reaction time from the authorities in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
There has been much speculation over the motives behind the attacks, and while the police have been quick to say that they are not related, many have questioned why there have been no arrests, thus far.
Criminologist Associate Professor (Honorary) Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said he understands the public’s frustrations but said much of the hate or brickbats is due to the unreasonable expectations coming from social media.
“While these are cases of high public interest which have attracted worldwide attention, police must be given the room to carry out a comprehensive investigation,” said Sundramoorthy, an honorary associate professor at the Centre for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
“The IGP (Inspector-General of Police) has taken an interest in these cases and has made several comments about the investigation.
“So, the cases are a priority, but the public must understand that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of similar cases, under investigation. The police will be meticulous as they don’t want to tip-off the perpetrators.”
He added that those who committed the crimes would be following news reports to see if police were closing in on them, but at the same time, he said the cops must provide timely updates to avoid speculation and rumours.
“Due to social media, there are bound to be many rumours as to the reason behind the attacks and who orchestrated them,” said Sundramoorthy.
“It is human nature to think the worst. That is why many are venting their frustrations on social media without knowing the full facts of the case.
“So, while the police will be careful not to let slip any vital information, they should provide timely updates to quash the rumours and fear-mongering.”
Police detained two men in connection with Faisal’s case, but both were released. The first, a man in his 20s, was remanded for two days before being released on May 7, when investigations found no connection to the case.
The second suspect, in his 30s, was remanded for five days before being released on police bail on May 11.
That same day, the IGP, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, told reporters that the police were preparing a photo-fit of a suspect involved in the acid attack.
Thus far, no arrests have been made in the incidents involving Akhyar and Safiq.
“I am confident the police will find those behind the incidents. While attacks on professional athletes are uncommon in Malaysia, it has happened many times overseas,” said Sundramoorthy, who stressed that police must be allowed to do their jobs.
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