During the question and answer segment of the forum, Tunku Ismail also raised the issue in which a member of his security personnel allegedly punched a deaf ride-hailing driver.
According to media reports, the driver claimed he was punched by a member of Tunku Ismail’s security detail outside St Regis hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and that he was offered RM800 (US$170) by a representative from the palace to withdraw his police report on the incident.
Malaysian police chief Razarudin Husain has said that police were now investigating allegations on whether the driver was punched and pressured to reach a settlement.
Following the incident, the Johor crown prince posted on social media platform X saying that any effort to link actions of an “external security personnel” with him and the entire royal institution was “uncalled for”.
Tunku Ismail said on Sunday that he was not present during the incident and only learnt about it from the head of his security detail the day after it happened.
“Perhaps there was some rough treatment by police, but you have to remember, they are the ones given authority, they are professionals, they have to do their jobs.
“And there is no number plate or anything that indicates that the driver is a handicapped person, so how would they have known?” he said.
“So if indeed there is some rough treatment, further action will be taken. We are not trying to hide behind this matter, but there are some parties or movements who made it as if it was me who punched the driver. I was not even there,” he added.
When pressed on whether he knew who was the individual who hit the driver, Tunku Ismail suggested that it was a member of the police force who was part of his security team that day.
“A police officer … who was perhaps hotheaded while at work,” said Tunku Ismail.
“These officers are trained, they have procedures they follow. At the time of the incident perhaps the officer did not listen to instructions, they must think before they act and not just follow their emotions,” he added.
