LETTER TO MALAYSIAKINI - 4TH SEPTEMBER 2008

Dear readers,

It is most distressing to note that there are 2 sets of laws in Malaysia, 1 for the members of the ruling clique and its supporters, while the other for the common man and members of the opposition parties. This is certainly a most disturbing trend and it looks like selective prosecutions have been practiced throughout the years. A very good example is how Anwar was recently arrested and humiliated even before he was charged, not to mention the fact that he was made to stay 1 night in prison, and the ordeal that he had to go through. We now hear that a member of the ruling party has had 5 reports made against him for sedition, and he has now made himself scarce in spite of the fact that he has been summoned by the police to have his statements recorded at the police station. Why was not Ahmad Ismail given the same treatment as Anwar? In my opinion, it is very glaring that the police is practicing double standards when it comes to dealing with people who are accused of breaking the law. If this trend is to continue, then we citizens of Malaysia have every cause to worry and fear as it is most certain that we have to bear the injustices being practiced by the police force. I recall that numerous police reports have been made against people in high places within the government, but alas, no action seems to have been taken, and these people have continued with their misdeeds as they know that they are untouchable where the law is concerned.

Finally, I am very excited to hear the announcement made by PKR that they can convince 40 members of the ruling administration to cross over thus making it possible for Pakatan Rakyat to form the next government. However, being the skeptic that I am, I fear that this is near impossible as the Barisan government will fight tooth and nail just to stay in power. I would even go so far as to say that top leaders of the opposition parties might be arrested and detained under the draconian ISA and that our freedoms will be further curtailed . We are certainly living in exciting times, but let us hope and pray that Anwar's plans will materialize so that all Malaysians can have a better deal, otherwise, our country is doomed. In conclusion, I wish to remind the Pakatan Rakyat that should it manage to arrest power from the current government, to prosecute Barisan government officials and their cronies if they are found to be involved in corruption and may the full force of the law be brought to bear upon them.

Yours faithfully,

Alfred Ho.