WHAT is it with these perennial law breakers i.e. illegal street racers that has some of our politicians mollycoddling them.

Not too long ago, we had certain political figures in Putera Umno trying to re-brand them into Mat Cemerlangs by organising activities for them. They even took a group of them, probably on government expense, to skydive from the North Pole. Did such a reformation exercise bring about any change in their behaviour?

The answer is obvious, judging from the various reports we continue to read in the newspapers of these louts terrorising other motorists on the road with their illegal activities. We should not be glorifying them. I don’t see why we should call them Mat Rempit at all. They are nothing but illegal racers and a road menace and should be treated as such. The only solution to illegal racers is to go down hard on them.

Compound and destroy their motorcycles if they are caught riding dangerously and performing stunts, disregarding the safety of other road users. If possible, a few days in the police lock-up should give them ample time to reflect on their form of “escapism” and “cheap thrill”. Only when the end result hurts their pockets and affects their personal freedom will these recalcitrants learn to obey the laws of this country.

Michael Ng
Seremban

Source: The Sun – May 16, 2008