Ong Kah Chua, 70, allegedly poured a bottle of thinner and torched Mr Seng Han Thong, 59, at Yio Chu Kang Community Club at about noon on Sunday.

He is similarly accused of causing grievous hurt to Mr Aw Chui Seng, 69, chairman of Chu Sheng Temple.

Ong's case was the first to be brought up in court at 8.50am.

Clad in a white T-shirt and dark blue bermudas and wearing slippers, he had complained in Hokkien of pain in the left ankle because of the shackles just before court started.

He asked the policemen around if they could be loosened a bit.

Ong, who is blind in the left eye, was remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for psychiatric examination.

If convicted, he can be jailed for up to life or up to 15 years and liable to fine. Because of his age, he cannot be caned.

He will be back in court on Jan 23

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