Driver sorry over surau scuffle
JOHOR BARU: The 28-year-old driver involved in last Friday’s surau fracas issued an apology yesterday.
Toh Chai Eun said he bore no ill will when he honked at a driver outside a surau after Friday prayers in Taman Austin Perdana here. The act got him beaten up.
He issued a public apology to the Muslim community, especially those involved in the 1.30pm incident.
Toh, who is self-employed, had gone to the Johor Islamic Religious Office with his brother, Toh Chai Chung, 30, to meet Johor Religious Council chairman Mutalip Abdul Rahim and adviser Datuk Nooh Gadut.
“What happened that day was that I was caught in a traffic jam and I had something urgent to do,” said Toh, who suffered cuts on his head and body.
“I hope the public will not blow up this issue anymore as it will disrupt the peace and harmony in our multiracial country.”
Surau chairman Mohd Khaiidzir Ismail said the meeting showed the spirit of Malaysia.
Toh was reportedly beaten up after he honked in front of the Seri Austin surau, which provoked a group of men to attack him and damage his car.
The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.