Some people believe that having a title means you can get away with anything. Happily, the police are choosing to prove them wrong.
A man claiming to be a ‘Datuk Seri’ was recently arrested for threatening two victims, including a police inspector.
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay stated the case involved two men; a 56-year-old scrap metal businessman with a ‘Datuk Seri’ title and his 41-year-old friend. The two men approached their 50-year-old victim last Monday (22nd February) and physically threatened him to settle his RM450,000 debt. The victim then lodged a police report which led to the duo’s arrest on the 25th around Masai at about 8.30pm. “During their arrests, the one who claimed to be a Datuk Seri also threatened a police inspector by saying ‘if you arrest me, I will create chaos at all police stations and in your life’,” Datuk Ayob said at the press conference held at the Media Center of the Johor Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) on 2nd March.
Investigations showed the suspect’s ‘Datuk Seri’ title was not recognised by the Malaysian government. According to Malay Mail, the title was obtained from ‘Sulu’ which usually bestows the title if someone ‘pays’ for it. “But it does not matter where the title comes from, Malaysia or anywhere, whether it’s Datuk Seri or Tan Sri, if they are involved in criminal activities, we will catch them,” Datuk Ayob declared.
The Datuk Seri was also found to have records of 23 criminal offences with violent elements. He has been charged twice under the Emergency Ordinance and detained at Simpang Renggam and Pulau Jerejak in the 1980s and 1990s. “The ‘Datuk Seri’ has connections with a number of non-governmental organisations,” Datuk Ayob added. “We believe he donated to these NGOs to cover his criminal activities.” He also advised NGOs to “not simply fall for any sort of ‘donations’ from any person with titles“. Apparently the NGO which the suspect had been donating to had contacted the police multiple times to give their ‘positive input’ about the suspect.
The case is being investigated under Section 385 (extortion) and Section 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Penal Code. The Datuk Seri also faces an additional charge for threatening the police officer.
The duo were brought to the Magistrates’ Court on 2nd March. Additionally, the police are investigating to determine if the suspect has links to any political party.
Sources: Harian Metro, New Straits Times, Malay Mail, The Star
