Daily Lessons from Life 30 January 2013 - Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video

"Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video - CNA 30 January 2013

SINGAPORE: Police said two defendants who had been charged for their roles in an SMRT bus strike in November 2012 have made serious allegations in a video online that they been assaulted while in police custody.

Police said in a statement on Tuesday night that they are aware of the video interviews.

They urged the two men, 32-year-old He Jun Ling and 33-year-old Liu Xiang Ying, to make a police report so that they can investigate the case.

Police said the defendants' lawyers can also raise this matter in court when the case against them is heard.

Police added that as the case is currently before the court, it is not appropriate for them to comment on it."

This is a VERY serious allegation. I am not sure if the 2 Chinese have been properly advised on what their actions are amounting to. I am also NOT sure if the producer of this 'for research purpose documentary has thought through the implication carefully and comprehensively or not.

Lessons for me are:

1. this will HAVE to be pursued by the Singapore Police Force whether the allegation is true or false EVEN if the 2 Chinese drivers DID NOT file a Police Report!;

2. if it is FALSE, the 2 Chinese and the producer of this 'documentary video' and anyone associated knowingly and promoting this 'film' have to answer to it. They must face consequences for falsely accusing the good SPF officers of abuses;

3. if it is TRUE, the SPF officers will have to answer to the laws and face the consequence of such abuses fully. The punishment will be severe as the good name of SPF cannot be tarnished at all.

This episode, until it has been properly closed, demonstrates how 'defiant' and 'irrational (if the allegation is groundless and carelessly made) some non-Singaporeans can behave against the 'normal expected behaviours of a locally born and bred Singaporean!

This MUST be investigated and clear PUBLICLY. We cannot tolerate false accusation neither do we condone abuse of police's power to carry out law enforcement!