By P. Ramasamy

ARE the lives of the poor cheap?

Is there no way for them to get justice in the country where the rich and powerful have stronger say on matters.

On August 27, eight months after an assault at a condominium in Ipoh, the victim, a security guard, Thaya Sayagam, 64 years old died.

He was savagely attacked on December 29, by one Noor Azahar Muhammed, a youth leader from the racist Bersatu, for disallowing his son to use the swimming pool that was not opened due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This racist unable to take no for an answer took the nearby table to slam it on the frail security guard, Thaya.

Due to multiple injuries sustained, Thaya was admitted to hospital and died a few days ago.

The police at first charged the assailant for causing hurt but with a strong public outcry, they charged him for murder which means he could face the death penalty.

This was clear case of unprovoked attack by an young assailant Noor Azahar against an old man, Thava, the sole bread winner of the family.

His wife who is unemployed is devastated after the death of her loving husband.

Thava engaged in some small business activities before becoming a security guard with a salary of RM1500.00 per month.

He used to take care of nephews and nieces earlier when they were small.

Thava was loving and responsible man who take care of pets in his spare time.

To date no Bersatu leader has come out to condemn the attack by its youth leader Noor Azahar.

Bersatu leaders being more interested in power and positions hardly take interest in the conduct and behaviour of its members and leaders.

Eight months have gone passed since the vicious attack, no action had been taken against Noor Azhar.

Since he is out on bail, he might be thinking that his political connections can be used to free himself from the murder charge.

Charging him for murder is one thing, whether he will be given the sentence appropriate to his crime that is death remains to be seen.

It was not really an attack on the moment.

The attack was predicated on the fact that assailant knew that frail security guard would no attack him back and that he could get away.

There is no question that Thava died of the multiple injuries sustained during the attack although he was alive for about eight months.

I don’t understand why the police wanted to go for lesser charge when the facts surrounding the death of Thava were crystal clear.

The attack was an attempt to murder Thava by Noor Azhar. M
There is no two ways about it.

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin is the leader of Bersatu.

Since he is no more in the post, maybe he will call for the party meeting to discuss about what actions should be taken against Noor Azhar, their youth leader from Kelantan.

If Bersatu leaders take no action against Noor Azhar, it means that the party as whole is condoning the heinous crime committed by its youth leader.

Whether Bersatu contemplates any action or not against this criminal from the youth section, there is nothing to stop the party from becoming a history in the country.

It is just matter of time, before the mother party, Umno, swallows the party leaving no traces at all.

*Dr P. Ramasamy is Penang Deputy Chief Minister II.

*The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of The Hindu Press (THP)