Negri: Act on ‘karate cops’ case

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government wants the police to speed up investigations into claims by the Indonesian Karate Federation (IKF) that four cops assaulted one of their officials on Friday.

State Youth and Sports committee chairman Datuk Jamlus Aziz said the Indonesians had made a serious allegation that could tarnish the country’s image.

“We view the allegation seriously. I hope the police will act accordingly,” he said.

The Indonesian body alleged that IKF referee Donald Kolobita suffered several broken ribs and serious injuries to his groin and face after being assaulted by four plainclothes policemen.

IKF secretary Maxi Pauran reportedly told AFP in Jakarta that the policemen came in a van and tried to arrest Kolobita, who was part of the Indonesian team taking part in the three-day 8th Asian Karate Championship at the Nilai indoor stadium that started on Friday.

Pauran alleged that although the referee told the policemen that he was involved in the championship they kept assaulting him.

The IKF alleged that Kolobita was beaten even after being handcuffed.

The Indonesian team withdrew from the competition in protest of the alleged beating.

Jamlus said he has notified Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and state police chief Datuk Mohd Noh Kandah about the alleged incident.

“I went to Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital with several officials to see the victim.

“He was in serious condition but stable,” Jamlus said, adding that he had requested the hospital authorities to admit Kolobita to the first class ward.

State crime investigations chief Asst Comm Huzir Mohamad said the matter had been referred to Bukit Aman.

Some 620 participants and officials from 32 Asian countries took part in the championship.[The Star]