I refer to the malaysiakini report Thai border post blast an accident .

We can draw several conclusions regarding the grenade incident at the Ban Din Samoe army outpost along the Thai-Malaysia border on Jan 10. Foremost, the level of training the soldiers have undergone. Next, the credibility of those making the accusations, including the officer-in-command. Finally, the propensity of senior army officers making news statements without substance.

Since the armistice between the Malaysian government and the Communist Party of Malaya in December 1989, our troops are located at the border regions primarily to prevent border crossings by smugglers and illicit activities which may jeopardise national security.

The current tense situation in Southern Thailand is a cause for concern as the Thai Army fears Muslim separatists slipping into our territory for safety. Joint-border patrols are a means to keep a tab on such movements.

Soldiers on border duties are equipped with rifles and carry on them a first-line supply of ammunition and anti-personnel grenades. Rifles and grenades are good for close-quarter battle and, therefore, are a must. Poor handling of weapons and grenades can result in accidental discharge which may cause considerable bodily harm, especially when troops are in close proximity with one another.

The incident happened in the morning and four servicemen were wounded.. The two grenades could have exploded when the owners were asleep in their 'bashas' (makeshift sleeping bunks). That explains why the four were wounded. What then had prompted them to concoct a story? Fear of retribution. Accidental discharge of firearms is a court-martial offence so an easy way out is to cook up a story.

The deputy army chief had made such an impression about a board of inquiry and had promised action against the wrong-doers based on existing procedures. But what is puzzling is that no time frame has been given for the board of inquiry.

Existing procedures demand that all board of inquiry findings be compiled and submitted within 21 days. The incident is of public interest, as it involves the integrity of our neighbouring army. So a 'no-time frame' is definitely not the best of options.