I have been following the Balwant Singh trial with interest. While most readers of malaysiakini (including myself) have liberal leanings, we must not fall into the trap of colouring all judicial decisions with the same brush.

The facts are that the deceased in Balwant's trial was a known gangster, who had been placed in restricted residence by the police, who chased an elderly man and his female driver for a couple of miles after being honked at.

He then got off his (stolen) motorbike and threatened an elderly man with a fallen branch, causing Balwant to fear for his safety or life. A warning shot was fired, but the deceased kept coming. He was then fatally wounded.

Please bear in mind that Balwant was carrying a gun licensed by the police for personal protection. I cannot see that this was anything else than appropriate use of a properly licensed firearm, for self-defence. What is the problem with this?

While we are all sorry for the loss of life that occurred, this case seems to be diametrically opposed to that of Kenneth Lee, who was found guilty of shooting a lady indiscriminately when drunk.