Federal Court ends legal uncertainty over mentally ill man who killed his father
A MAN found to have killed his father but to have been legally incapable of understanding his actions because of mental illness will not be required to stand trial in his own defence, after the Federal Court today brought an end to a five-year legal ...
The Federal Court has concluded a five-year legal dispute concerning a mentally ill man who fatally assaulted his father. Pang Kar Foong, 55, will remain in secure custody, as ordered by a unanimous ruling from the apex court. The court found that the case warranted a departure from the customary legal practice of requiring the defendant to stand trial and present their defense.
Judge Nordin Hassan explained that the circumstances of the case made it appropriate to exercise discretion and avoid calling for the defense, though Kar Foong will still be detained under Section 348 of the Criminal Procedure Code with the Sultan of Perak's consent. Kar Foong, who has a history of mental illness treatment spanning approximately 20 years, was found guilty of killing his father, Pang Ket Tai, 75, at their home in Ipoh on September 12, 2020.
The High Court had previously acquitted Kar Foong but ordered his detention due to his unsound mind at the time of the incident. The prosecution had appealed the decision, leading to the Court of Appeal overturning the earlier ruling and mandating that Kar Foong enter his defense in September 2025. This Federal Court decision reinstates the High Court's position while maintaining the man's secure custody.
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