Inspector-General of Police, Khalid Abu Bakar wondered why the Bar, which he said was usually outspoken on human rights issues, had not explained to the public details pertaining to Mohamad Zulkifli Ismail’s case.

He said their unusual silence about the case had led to the authorities receiving flak for their actions.

Zulkifli allegedly stabbed two men who tried to rob him at his house in Kerteh, Terengganu, earlier this month. One of the men died at the scene.

The case was investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder which carries the mandatory death sentence if convicted in court.

“I ask that human rights lawyers issue a clarification through the Bar. They are normally swift on other matters, so why is it not the same in Zulkifli’s case.

“The Bar has the role of providing explanations, they are supposedly experts in providing information to the public, so why are they letting the people come up with their own conclusions until those views have turned viral,” said Khalid during a press conference after an event at the Bukit Aman senior officers’ mess today.

Khalid explained the murder alleged to have been committed by Zulkifli, supposedly to protect himself and his family against the robbers, was an offence under Section 99 of the Penal Code, which clearly specifies what a person is allowed to do in such a situation.

He said that the public had been quick to blame the authorities because they lacked the necessary understanding of the many restrictions placed on a person when defending himself or herself from criminals.

“Many people do not know the extent of self-defence. Section 99 of the Penal Code details the extent to which a person can defend himself. There is also a limitation for the police.”

Khalid said he would instruct the Bukit Aman public relations department to issue a comprehensive explanation to the public on the legal limits of self-defence to clear any nagging doubts they may have.