The sentence handed down on former police chief Abdul Rahim Noor has evoked contrasting responses from a cross-section of the Malaysian public. Reactions ranged from outrage and disappointment to one of sympathy.

Rahim was sentenced to a two-month prison term and fined RM2,000 for assaulting sacked deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim while he was in police custody on Sept 20, 1998.

Earlier on today, malaysiakini walked the streets to ask about what the public thought of the case.

When asked whether or not she approved of Sessions Court judge Akhtar Tahir's sentencing, Sakina, an ex-government servant, expressed her regret at the apparent lack of sternness in the punishment meted out to the accused.

"I believe that the verdict was unfair for a grevious offence such as causing hurt to a defenceless man. The worse thing is that it was committed by the top police officer, which gives the police force a free reign to take such measures. If it was someone else, then they would have probably received a heavier sentence," said Sakina.

Tom, an auditor from Cheras, lamented that in his opinion, the trial had been a one-sided affair.

"Abuse of power is known to be widespread within the police force. I feel that the government is not taking a straight approach to the enforcement of the law."

Also against the sentence was Lenard, an engineer from Damansara.

"Rahim has obviously been let off for something which he should be punished for. For a person of high authority to get off lightly from a situation like this is hard to accept. A heavier penalty should have been given."

However, Steven, another retired government servant from Petaling Jaya, echoed a sentiment among a smaller segment of Malaysian public who felt the sentence was adequate.

"I think that the conclusion is fair, because we have to weigh both sides of the case; Rahim Noor did serve the country faithfully and responsibly. However, he should have exercised restraint, even though he was provoked," said Steven.

A businessman from Seremban, Michael Lee, said he sympathised with Rahim's fate, venturing to say that on account of him being provoked by Anwar, the former IGP should only be fined and not be imprisoned.

"There have been other cases of violence and grievous hurt which were more severe and yet the offenders were merely fined," he added.