‘Datuk Seri’ to be remanded today

KUALA LUMPUR: After spending a night in police custody, a “Datuk Seri” is expected to be remanded today over an assault incident involving Rela members.

Nicky Liow was seen walking into the Ampang Jaya police headquarters at about 4pm yesterday.

When contacted, Selangor CID chief Senior Asst Comm Fadzil Ahmat confirmed that the 29-year-old businessman was arrested and that he would be taken to the Ampang magistrate’s court for the remand order.

“I urge the three Rela personnel to lodge a report if they have received any offer to close the case, so that the authorities can investigate the matter further,” he said.

Police are probing Nicky for alle­gedly obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties and also, voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons or means.

Nicky is believed to have obtained his title from Pahang and even use the honorific “Dr” on his business card.

On Friday, he was alleged to have assaulted three Rela personnel outside a temple in Kampung Baru Ampang.

Nicky is said to have lost his cool and beat them due to a perceived lack of respect shown by them.

Footage of the 6.30am incident, which went viral, attracted high public interest with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urging the suspect to give himself up to the police.

Rela director-general Zulkifli Abidin claimed that the suspect also tried to “settle” the case by offering the three Rela personnel RM10,000 each.

“I was made to understand that the money was offered as an inducement for the three to withdraw their police report.

“But none of them is willing to accept the offer. They are steadfast and will continue with their quest for justice.

“We will not be intimidated. If a crime has been committed, the culprit should be prepared to face the consequences,” Zulkifli said.

Zulkifli further claimed that the suspect wanted to meet up with him, threatening that more Rela members would be hurt if he refused.

He then sought the assistance of Datuk Seri Michael Chong, who is Rela’s honorary deputy commissioner, but the suspect did not show up for the planned meeting.

On Sunday, platoon leader Ho Hoong Keong, 56, revealed that he had received a call from a man, claiming to represent a VIP, to settle the matter.

Meanwhile, the three Rela members were given certificates of commendation and RM300 each as a reward for their professionalism in handling the situation.