PETALING JAYA: Members of the public should not take the law into their own hands and must always observe the law when dealing with public servants, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman said this in connection with a viral video of a police car being stopped and searched by what appeared to be Pakatan Harapan supporters during Saturday’s (April 13) Rantau by-election.

“It is very disturbing to see a viral video of a police car being stopped and searched by a group of people who are believed to be supporters of a political party.

“Those involved have gone overboard and it was also an unprecedented act as I have never heard that members of the public have ever stopped and inspected a police vehicle anywhere in the country before,” he said in a statement Monday (April 15).

Lee said that anyone doing so, could be charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code for voluntarily obstructing a civil servant in the discharge of his public functions, which provides for a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to RM10,000 or both upon conviction.

“We cannot accept whatever reasons and excuses given for such an irresponsible act. The perpetrators must be arrested and brought to justice.

“Kudos to the Home Ministry and the police for their stern warning and swift action to arrest two suspects a day after the incident while several other culprits have also been unidentified,” he said.

This article first appeared on The Star.