For your eyes only* - Sheena Easton

Here are 2 letters i sent to The Star. Somehow, i doubt they'll get to see the light of day so i'll reproduce them here:-

Who threw the brick???

I was shocked when I read the article, "Charge Dropped" reported on the front page of your newspaper dated 18 December 2007. It was because the reason given was that the AG did not know "...who threw the brick which injured policeman Dadi Abdul Ghani". This means that it is essential for the prosecution's case to show who was the one who threw the brick. It also mean that it is so essential that without such knowledge, "the fairest thing to do" is to discontinue the charge.

The question that begs to be asked then was why then were the 31 charged initially for attempted murder (an offense which prevents them from being released on bail) when the AG did not know who threw the brick? Does this mean that it is possible for the prosecution to charge citizens in court without having any evidence/proof that the accused actually committed the actual act of the crime?

I always thought that the police and the prosecution would have completed their investigations and have the evidence and proof needed to support their case before charging anyone in Court. It is scary to think that one may be charged for an offense where the prosecution does not know if he/she actually committed the act. Where will the evidence come from?

And the second one:-

I am a little confused after reading the article, "Samy Vellu happy murder bid charge against 31 dropped" reported in your newspaper on 18 December 2007. In particular, the relevant part of the article which causes me confusion is as follows:-

"I am very happy the courts freed some of the detainees of all charges while bail was given to the other detainees," he said in a statement.

"He (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) has shown his caring nature and responsibility as a prime minister for all races," he added.

This seems to imply that the Prime Minister has a part to play in the court freeing the detainees which granting bail to others. Surely that is not right?

*From the movie of the same title, this was the only Bond song to feature the singer is actually seen singing it during the credits!