Token punishment

A 3 year suspension of the Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail who caused such a stir in the country with his offensive remarks is just a slap on the wrist.

Instead of going away quietly, he remained defiant to the end. He reiterated that there was no reason for him to retract his remarks that likened the Chinese community as "squatters".

He was quoted as saying that he accepted the decision to suspend him because it was made by UMNO leaders and if it was made by BN he would not have accepted it.

In his press conference following his suspension, his tirade against the former Chief Minister of Penang (Koh Tsu Koon) continues with unabated venom. This only confirms everyone's suspicion that the previous administration just couldn't keep a tight rein on some of these leaders (read warlords) from a dorminant party within the BN coalition.

Hence, on March 8, 2008 the people of Penang spoke loud and clear and the Gerakan government was totally wiped out.

Now that a political decision has been taken by Ahmad Ismail's party, the people are now anxiously waiting to see if the enforcement of the law will be taken in view of the numerous police reports lodged against him.

Ahmad Ismail's lack of remorse despite the severity of his actions gives the impression that he feels he is someone special and would not be made to face the law as ordinary Malaysians would, should they breach any of it.

There should be no double standards by the relevant authorities. The Police and the Attorney General must now prove to the people that everyone is subject to the rule of law in the country.

The people awaits their wise decision.