KUALA LUMPUR – The 21-year-old man at the centre of an alleged assault case during Ramadan has urged the public to remain calm and not politicise the incident.
In a TikTok video that has garnered over 341,000 views and 12,000 shares, Elijah Ling Zhao Zhong thanked Malaysians for their support but stressed the need to let the authorities handle the matter.
“Let the police do their job. I also advise everyone not to link this case to politics because it has nothing to do with politics. This is a criminal act that was committed against me,” he said.
Elijah emphasised that Malaysians should take this as a lesson to build a harmonious and united nation, regardless of race or religion.
“I hope our country remains peaceful and that harmony prevails,” he added.
@elijahlingtiktok Mari kita move on untuk negara Malaysia yang harmoni.
♬ original sound – ELIJAH LING ZHAO ZHONG
Accused retracts guilty plea, claims trial
The case took an unexpected turn at the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday when the accused, retired civil servant Abdul Razak Ismail, 65, initially pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
However, he later disputed the charge, saying, “I slapped him, but not hard enough to leave a bruise.” This led Magistrate A Shaarmini to reject the guilty plea, ruling that a conditional plea was not acceptable.
Before a trial date could be set, the prosecution requested a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA), stating that the investigation papers had to be reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). The court granted the request, sparking public debate over the decision.
Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah called on the AGC to clarify the DNAA, saying, “What is the reason for the DNAA? Was the charge defective? When will he be re-charged? This development does not inspire public confidence.”
Later in the day, the AGC explained that the initial charge contained a technical issue, which had since been rectified. It confirmed that Abdul Razak would face fresh charges.
By Wednesday afternoon, he was charged again and pleaded not guilty. The court set bail at RM2,000 with one surety, after his lawyer argued that the RM8,000 bail sought by prosecutors was excessive for a retiree supporting three children.
The case gained widespread attention after videos of the incident went viral. Elijah alleged on social media that an elderly man confronted him at Angsana Shopping Mall, Johor Bahru, demanding to see his identity card before slapping him several times.
National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang condemned it as a “provocative act” against Malaysia’s multicultural harmony, while Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar stressed that such actions “do not reflect the true teachings of Islam.”
The incident had also prompted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remind Muslims that such actions rendered talk of Islam’s beauty pointless.
Anwar also called for such actions to “simply stop” as they went against the spirit of national unity and harmony.
The court has set April 29 for the next case mention. If convicted, Abdul Razak could face up to a year in jail, a maximum fine of RM2,000, or both.
Yesterday, Aaron said that the National Unity and Integration Department is offering support to the victim, adding that the department director had met with Elijah and was informed that he required privacy.
He also urged all Malaysians to prioritise and observe mutual respect in their daily lives. – March 20, 2025