Rules and regulations serve a purpose for the greater good. Despite that we have people who break the law knowingly. For some the idea before breaking the law was to bring justice. The method however was not so condoning. Secret documents were revealed with the hopes of fairness.
Breaking the law is wrong, regardless how good one can make it sound. When the verdict is read, then comes the effort to vilify the judiciary. It is the same people who uphold fairness of the system when a judgement is made in their favour. As we can see they have a clearly biased viewpoint. Anything in favour is good and anything against is bad.
There are other ways of obtaining justice, without going against the rules. Policy making, pressure groups and so on. Sadly, “plight for justice” seems to be a part of a plan to gain popularity. Once jailed, one can raise sentiments against the government. Sentiments that involve family members.
People should learn to think before acting and not the other way round. Where was the interest of the family and the love for the children before doing such things? Were they not important then? Family members should always be in thoughts. How can the picture of a three year old son come afterwards?
If indeed one was concerned for the welfare of the family, then prior consideration should be given before doing something. Begging for empathy when verdict is due, is more of a means to evade punishment and seek fame. If justice was being sought by releasing secret documents, then perhaps there is reason in the punishment of the person responsible for the act.
We might want to strive for change but there are other ways of doing things in a democractic nation. There is an option of not going against the law. We have to bear in mind the long term consequences of whatever we are doing. If justice is sought then it is best that justice prevails.
Rehan Ahmad Bin Jamaluddin Ahmad
Research Fellow, Institut Kajian Strategik Islam Malaysia (IKSIM)
