IT is indeed a black day for democracy in Malaysia when irresponsible acts like throwing Molotov cocktails (”Molotov cocktail attack on MP’s home” — NST, Sept 28) and other underhand tactics are employed to threaten fellow Malaysians who speak out against what they feel is injustice, instead of engaging in meaningful dialogues to settle differences.

I shall not dwell on the unpleasant implications that this sort of insinuations entail. Suffice to say that it is totally opposed to the spirit of our Constitution and must never be condoned in a democratic nation like ours.

The fact that after 51 years of living together such a siege mentality still exists within certain groups of people indicates an unhealthy trend that has far-reaching implications if not nipped in the bud.

We should not view the criticisms of a fellow Malaysian as cari pasal (interference) but instead be sufficiently mature and magnanimous to examine it rationally and, if proven to be baseless, counter it in a rational manner. And if it is found to be true, to act on it positively.

It is love for the country that moves a person to point out weaknesses in the system. Keeping quiet and letting the rot set in is tantamount to being unpatriotic. Every citizen has his part to play in uplifting the nation ever higher.

If anyone is to be considered a threat to the security and peace of our nation, it is the person who resorts to threats of violence. The authorities must view this seriously and those responsible must be dealt with in accordance with the law.

TAM YONG YUEE, Muar

Source: NST – September 30, 2008