It was a scary few moments for Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ibrahim Sahib Ansar, when he was allegedly assaulted by five men at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
According to The New Straits Times, the incident reportedly happened on Sunday when Ibrahim was at the airport to send off Sri Lankan Primary Industries Minister, Daya Gamage.
Gamage and former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa were reportedly in town to attend the International Conference of Asian Political Parties held in Kuala Lumpur, and Mahinda’s appearance had drawn protests.
The senseless assault was captured on the airport’s CCTV system, and the video has since gone viral on social media.
In the 48-second video, Ibrahim, who was wearing an orange shirt, was seen being chased down a corridor by no less than five people.
When he was cornered, his assailants started raining punches and kicks at Ibrahim as he was seen trying to fend off their attacks.
After a few seconds, several policemen were seen entering the frame and breaking up the fight before escorting Ibrahim’s assailants away.
The New Straits Times reported that Ibrahim was brought to the Gleneagles Hospital for treatment after the assault.
In a written statement, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack “in the strongest terms”.
“The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur is coordinating with local law enforcement authorities in Malaysia and other relevant local authorities to identify perpetrators and assist with investigations.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka is taking all necessary action in this regard through diplomatic channels,” it said in a statement cited by the daily.
Meanwhile, the police have reportedly detained five men in connection with the assault.
Selangor CID chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Adnan Abdullah told The Star Online that the five individuals will be investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.
