The letter by Sang Purba ('Judges rule OK!', May 2) echoed my sentiments and I suspect, those of most Malaysians who believe in an independent judiciary. However, I would just like to make a slight correction to the letter. The writer said, "Kudos, too, goes to the public prosecutor for pursuing this matter to its penultimate ending!"

I would like to point out that it was the defendant (ex-IGP Abdul Rahim Noor) that was making the appeal, not the prosecutor. The justices could not increase the sentence because the prosecutor did not cross appeal.

Most people felt that the sentence was already too lenient, not because the person beaten was the former prime minister but because the police, let alone the Chief of the police, have no business beating up prisoners, whatever their rank and status.

Whether I agree or disagree with the reformasi activists' politics is beside the point; I would defend their right not to be physically abused by those entrusted with enforcing the law.

For this, I am truly thankful that we still have a few good men on the bench.