I REFER to ‘Kugan’s case exploited’ (The Star, Jan 29). I could not have said it better. It is sad to see how car theft suspect A.Kugan has been portrayed as a hero. My husband and I were victims of car theft and based on our traumatic experience which happened in front of our house; these criminals who hijack cars are ruthless and are willing to kill anyone. Trust me; these criminals are not racially biased when picking their victims!
They ambush their victims with parangs, hammers and other weapons and literally start hammering and slashing their victims. Despite offering the car key, they pushed us into the vehicle and continued bashing us up.
They took away our jewellery, money, watches and hand phones. We pleaded with them and remained absolutely quiet and agreed to do whatever they wanted hoping they would spare our lives. They took us on a terror ride and dumped us in a palm oil estate with our eyes blind folded and our hands and legs tied. We were lucky to survive but we were badly beaten up.
We have at least five friends who have had their cars hijacked ruthlessly. One of whom sustained severe head injuries and was hospitalised for three months. The question that begs to be answered; what about the rights of the victims? What about our rights - we were fighting for our lives when they assaulted us and instilled fear in our lives. What about the rights of the society who wants to live in a safe neighbourhood?
Are we expected to be constantly living in fear when we drive fancy cars or own expensive properties. Isn’t it our right to spend our hard earned money any way we choose to and not be afraid of criminals who decide to earn their living by taking it away from others?
And when crime happens, we insist on the police to take swift action and when there is no result, we criticize the police for incompetence. So for the police, its doom if you do, doom if you don’t. Giving criminals more ‘privileges’ would only encourage the police not to take stern action against these ruthless criminals.
Let’s face it; there are methods in which the police use to gather information from suspects especially when one is caught red-handed. (The deceased was arrested after a car chase, where the car involved was reported as robbed). You really don’t expect a criminal to volunteer information on their criminal activities.
I wonder if the same heroic treatment would be given to criminals who rape and molest children. Crime is a crime no matter who does it. There are many other important issues to focus on instead of giving a heroic treatment to criminals who really deserve what comes in their way when they are caught.
Let us be extremely cautious in what we wish for and portraying the deceased as a hero is something that will make criminals even bolder. I can only imagine what would go through the minds of the ones who got away.
These criminals probably feel they now can do anything they want. They are no longer afraid of law or the police. They have the politicians to exploit the situation and turn it into a racial issue. It is absolutely despicable!
Let the police do their job. After all, the police have admitted to the assault on the deceased so let the investigations be conducted. I too, like the writer of the letter dread to think the day the police will simply get fed up in crime solving or carrying out their duties.
