The MCA Youth today urged Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar and Inspector-general of Police Musa Hassan to take action against errant officers that were involved in Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) fracas.

The wing's legal bureau chief Gan Ping Siew said charges must be preferred against these officers in order to restore the confidence of the public in the nation's police force.

Yesterday, the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) inquiry panel announced its findings that the police had used excessive force during the BMC fracas on May 27 last year.

The panel held the unanimous opinion that there was excessive use of force by the police and the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel on mechanic Chang Jiun Haur and his employer Chan Siew Meng.

"Now that the Suhakam inquiry panel has announced its findings and as the image of the police is at stake, we urge the IGP and government to give due attention to this case and the various recommendations made," said Gan.

Gan, who is also a legal adviser for Chang, further claimed that the police have been "unprofessional" in handling the police reports lodged by his client on police brutality as they were "conveniently ignored so far".

"Then, letters were sent to Syed Hamid and Musa Hassan...(but) it was unfortunate that the (police headquarters) Bukit Aman's reply was evasive and lopsided," he added.

He further alleged that a subsequent police report lodged against the Kajang police for the loss of equipments in Chang's car kept in the compound of Kajang IPD was also ignored.

"But MCA shall further assist the victims to pursue the matters," Gan said.

Will ask DPP to drop charges

During the BMC incident, Chang who was with his three other passengers, was dragged out of his car and was repeatedly kicked and beaten by 20 riot squad (FRU) personnel armed with batons.

All four individuals in the car were subsequently arrested.

On June 10, Chang was charged with reckless driving in the incident. According to Gan, the police found no case against the three others - Cheok Kem Hoo, 22, Chan, 31, and Chang's sister Chang Jiun Mein, 22.

Now that Suhakam's report has shown that the police were guilty of using excessive force on the victims, Gan said the MCA Youth legal bureau will consider writing a representation to deputy public prosecutor to drop the charge against Chang.

"Civil actions for punitive damages will be taken against the police in the near future," said Gan.

If found guilty, Chang could be facing a mandatory jail sentence of up to five years and face a fine between RM5,000 to RM15,000. His driving license can also be suspended for no less than two years.

Chang however had pleaded not guilty and posted a RM3,000 bail. The trial has been adjourned until after Chinese New Year on Jan 27.

Following Suhakam's findings yesterday, both Chang and Chan have said they would file a lawsuit against the police for causing them injuries.

IGP should act fast

On the same development, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai also expressed his disappointment with the police force.

He said that the IGP should apologise to the victims on behalf of the responsible police officers.

"This is the very least the police force can do as the damage has been done. Furthermore, the victims have already decided to file a lawsuit against the police force'," he said, reiterating that an apology was vital in this situation.

He added that the IGP should take immediate action against the responsible police officers, "otherwise it would seem as though he is taking their side and defending his subordinates".

"If immediate action is not taken, it will disrespect the results of Suhakam's findings and this would implicate that Suhakam has no reasons to exist," said the DAP leader to Malaysiakini.