Laws being used to do things that cannot be considered democratic or just - Tun M

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is of the opinion that laws are being used to do things that cannot be considered as democratic or even just.

He explained that this can be done is by associating democracy and the people to the Rule of Law.

"We all believe that if we do this, we will enjoy good governance and the people would be protected through the application of laws.

"But now we are seeing laws being used to do things that cannot be considered as democratic or even just," wrote the Langkawi Member of Parliament on his personal blog chedet.cc.

He further explained that although one would think this is wrong, but the law says it is legal.

He added, it is therefore a part of the rule of law that we must accept.

“For example, people can elect the government through elections.

“But now we see the government of the people’s choice being replaced by a government of the people rejected by them.

“The losers rule. The winners form the opposition," he said.

In fact, Dr Mahathir said, the law has caused an accused person to escape from the charges against him.

“In Sabah, State assemblymen who are supporters of the government suddenly left the government. Why? The only explanation is that they had been bribed.

“The government had to be dissolved, a new election held and the people rejected in the original election now form the government.

“Again, this is legal. This is a part of the rule of law and must be accepted,” he said.

Dr Mahathir added: “Then the former Ketua Menteri (Chief Minister) who faced 42 charges of financial wrongdoings had all the charges withdrawn by the Attorney General (AG).

“Again, it is all legal. The AG has the right to withdraw charges. The rule of law is not breached.”

In another case, Dr Mahathir said, the accused gave back some of the money he was alleged to have stolen.

“He was discharged on the promise that he would return the rest of the money later on. It is also legal.

“And now a man who bribed a minister was fined after he admitted to doing so. But the minister who accepted the bribe is discharged without being acquitted.

“Maybe later on even a man convicted of stealing millions of government money will be pardoned. This too would be according to the law,” he said.

Dr Mahathir feared that the country is going to see criminals enjoying a free life according to the law.

“It seems that the rule of law can be so abused that justice will not be done,” he said.