MCBA chief arrives at court over alleged assault on two policemen

SEPANG: Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain arrived at the court complex to face two charges over an alleged assault involving two Special Branch policemen.

Security was tight at the court complex, with a heavy presence of police personnel and Rela members.

Only court staff and police personnel were allowed to park within the compound.

Shuhaily, dressed in a suit, appeared in high spirits as he walked into the canteen for breakfast, even inviting journalists and photographers to join him.

Also present in a show of solidarity was Port Klang MCBA commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal.

Shuhaily, 54, is expected to face two charges of voluntarily causing hurt to Lance Corporals Mohammad Faiz Muhamad Saman, 40, and Muhammad Ekmal Sofwan Driman in connection with a Sept 28 incident at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1.

The charges, under Section 323 of the Penal Code, carry a maximum jail term of one year, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.

Shuhaily will be represented by lawyer Kitson Foong.

On Oct 17, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) had requested further clarification and additional investigative work before deciding on the next course of action.

He said police had been directed to complete the investigation in accordance with the AGC's requirements.

The investigation papers were initially submitted to the AGC after police recorded statements from 25 witnesses.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said he received the papers on Oct 6 before returning them to police on Oct 8.

On Oct 12, Faiz lodged a second police report alleging that his mobile phone had been seized while he was taking photographs of the incident.

His lawyers, Kamal Hisham Ja'afar and Muhammad Nor Tamrin, said the report contained new evidence.

The two policemen, who were serving as travel control officers at the airport, have denied allegations that they were acting as touts or involved in "counter setting".

The incident drew public attention after a video circulated online showing a man resembling Shuhaily berating two men at the airport. One of the men appeared to be grabbed forcefully by the ears.

On Oct 1, Shuhaily said he was prepared to accept whatever decision the government made over the incident and was ready to take responsibility for his actions.