By Steven Daniel

KAJANG, MALAYSIA: The man who punched New Era College senate chairman Dr Yap Sin Tian on Sunday has been arrested.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Shakaruddin Che Mood confirmed that the 22-year-old man was arrested here at 2.50pm yesterday.

He said the case would be investigated under Section 325 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt.

If convicted, the offender could be sentenced up to seven years' imprisonment and fined.

Earlier, there was speculation that the man was going to surrender at the police station here.

At about 3pm, the man, who was in handcuffs, was brought in by police. He refused to speak to the press but photographers managed to get a few shots of him.

Dr Yap was punched while giving a speech during a convocation ceremony.

Believed to be a former student of the college, the attacker was wearing a shirt used by members of a fund-raising event.

There is speculation that the incident could have been linked to the row between Dr Yap and the college's former principal Dr Kua Kia Soong.

Dr Yap, who is Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia) president, is said to have supported the move not to extend Dr Kua's contract which expired last month.