Hasan Lah JCA

INTRODUCTION

The appellant was charged in the High Court, Pulau Pinang with the offence of murder under s 302 of the Penal Code

Bahawa kamu pada 24.4.2006, antara jam lebih kurang pukul 1.30 petang dan 3.00 petang, di alamat 65A, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, di dalam Daerah Timur Laut Negeri Pulau Pinang, dengan niat telah melakukan kesalahan bunuh hingga menyebabkan kematian ke atas Leong Chin Meng (No. K/P: 571127-07-5771), dan oleh yang demikian kamu telah melakukan satu kesalahan yang boleh dihukum di bawah Seksyen 302Kanun Keseksaan

At the conclusion of the trial the learned trial judge convicted the appellant for murder. The appellant appealed against his conviction and we allowed his appeal and set aside his conviction. We hereby give our reasons for doing so.

THE FACTS

The facts showed that the deceased operated a business dealing with antiquated items such as old coins, stamps and other artefacts. The business was carried out in the name and style of Leong Stamps Co in a premise at No65–A, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Penang (‘the said premise’).

There was a collapsible grill at the entrance of the said premise. The upper floor of the said premise was utilised as an