SIBU: Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called on the police to conduct a full and thorough investigation into a recent assault in Sibu involving a man who was allegedly beaten by a group of people.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister and Dudong assemblyman said the investigation should not stop with the arrest of the four suspects currently in custody.
The police should use information obtained during the investigation, including statements from those arrested, to identify and track down every other person involved.
“If there were 20 or 30 people involved, why have only three or four been arrested?
“The police should be able to identify the others based on the statements given by those already arrested. If the investigation cannot uncover any further leads, then something is clearly not right,” he said in a statement today.
Tiong said many members of the public had expressed concern over recent incidents of violence in Sibu and the town’s security situation.
Some had questioned why the situation had deteriorated to this point and whether people could still feel safe living in Sibu.
He said the public wanted the police to get to the bottom of the case, identify everyone involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident so that appropriate action could be taken and public confidence in law enforcement restored.
Tiong also urged the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.
He also urged the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) to step up efforts to monitor secret societies, gangs and other related illegal activities in Sibu, including conducting raids and enforcement operations where necessary.
He said attempts by certain gang members to flaunt their so-called influence or power should not be taken lightly.
“The police, particularly D7, must have a clear understanding of these groups and their members and take the necessary action against them,” he said.
Tiong also urged everyone involved in the incident to face the consequences of their actions and surrender themselves to the police rather than waiting to be arrested or attempting to flee.
“If you have done something wrong, come forward and surrender yourself. We are a country governed by law,” he said.
He said no one was above the law and that so-called “underworld rules” or gang influence must never be allowed to take the place of the law.
