IGP: A right to self-defence does not mean you can kill someone

The public has been advised to study the legal provisions under Section 99 of the Penal Code to understand the right to self-defence before making assumptions, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

Khalid was responding to the probe over the decision to charge a man who allegedly killed a robber in self-defence for murder in Terengganu.

The charge sparked outrage among netizens.

Khalid also questioned the Bar Council and human rights lawyers for not educating the public.

"If someone robs us, that doesn't mean that we can kill him.

"Section 99 of the Penal Code clearly outlines the limits of self-defence, not just for the public, but for us (the police) too.

"When it comes to other matters, Bar Council is quick to comment. Why keep quiet on this?

"This is where the Bar Council plays a role in educating the public," he said in Bukit Aman on Thursday.

Khalid added that the right to self-defence does not extend to inflicting more harm than is necessary.

Recently, netizens were outraged when a story on social media of a man named Zulkifli, who is allegedly facing the gallows after stabbing to death a robber who broke into his home, in Kerteh, Terengganu, went viral.

The story reported that he was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder and Section 326 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.