He said he was aware of the dissatisfaction of the public over the decision of the court, but he added that the issue of bail was the discretion of a magistrate.

“I shall find out whether the police will appeal against that and see what can be done legally to call for a higher amount of bail,” he said.

The accused was released on bail with two sureties after he pleaded not guilty to eight criminal charges, including car thefts, drug possession and house breaking thefts.

He was arrested when he and his friend were running away from the police during a chase on Gawai Dayak day.

His friend was killed in a road accident and the man was arrested.

Tiong said after the release of the accused, he had received numerous complaints on the bail said to be low.

“With eight charges, members of the public feel a larger bail should have been fixed. But, this is a matter which we have to leave to the police to deal with the court.

“We cannot interfere in the legal proceedings,” he said.

He hoped to resolve the matter through the proper way.

He called on the public to help the police by giving them information.

He hoped NGOs and the community leaders would play a more efficient role in this.
“Help the police in their efforts. Your participation will boost the confidence the people have in the police,” he said.

He hoped for a strong police-public partnership in the fight against crime.

“I am calling on the police to respond promptly to the needs of the community and to solve and prevent crimes.

Let us work together to make Bintulu a better place,” he said.