A former policeman, Iskandar Rahmat, may still be facing the death penalty after committing the murder of two Singapore men. According to the Straits Times, the ex-cop appealed the initial death sentence, claiming that he acted in self-defence. When judgement was reserved on his appeal in October of 2016, his fate became uncertain. It is unclear whether his actions resulted from mental illness, self-defence, or an act of anger.
Robbery Escalates to Murder
Murder is the most violent expression of a mind in turmoil, whether it occurs in the heat of sudden fury or because of a deep-seated, long-term mental illness. In Iskandar’s case, his plans to rob 67-year-old Tan Boon Sin went wrong.
Iskandar heard about a police report that Mr. Tan had filed, claiming that money was stolen from his Certis Cisco safe deposit box. Iskandar went to Mr. Tan and pretended to be an intelligence officer who was investigating the theft. He asked Mr. Tan to take all valuables out of the safe deposit box so that he could install a surveillance camera inside it.
Next, Iskandar suggested that he escort Mr. Tan to his Hillside Drive home. Mr. Tan accepted the offer of a police escort, since he was carrying a large amount of money and valuables. Once the two reached Mr. Tan’s three-storey home, Mr. Tan apparently become suspicious of Iskandar. He spoke to his son on the phone, and his son immediately left the office and headed to his father’s house.
It is unclear what happened next; but at some point, Iskandar killed the workshop owner. The 37-year-old Iskandar jumped into Mr. Tan’s Toyota Camry to flee the scene of the crime, but was accosted by Chee Heong, Tan’s 42-year-old son. The son’s body became stuck under the Camry and he was dragged to his death.
Two Conflicting Reports from Psychiatrists
Iskandar Rahmat’s attorney put forward a defence of diminished responsibility, claiming that Iskandar was suffering from adjustment disorder and an acute stress reaction. The defence was based on a careful evaluation conducted by an experienced psychiatrist in Singapore. The government psychiatrist in Singapore did not perceive the same symptoms from the accused, so the apex court reserved its decision until a future time.
Prevention of Violent Crime and Protection for the Mentally Ill
A psychiatrist in Singapore can play a key role in alerting the court when someone is legitimately suffering from mental illness and is therefore not in full control of themselves or not able to judge the consequences of their actions.
If you believe that your loved one is struggling with a mental illness, encourage that person to come to Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic for evaluation. At our facilities, our patients’ privacy is preserved, and every person is cared for by top-notch professionals in the field of psychiatry and psychology. With treatment, medication, and therapy, someone who struggles with anger issues or violent outbursts can learn to live a more peaceful and joyful life.
News Feed from Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic
Source: Straits Times, 26 October, 2016
