Such is the state of Malaysia. And more often than not, it is used against those who speaks for the minority. I am talking about the 5 Hindraf leaders - P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, R. Kenghadharan, V. Ganabatirau and T. Vasanthakumar who were picked up at various locations in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban today and whom the Inspector-General Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said will be detained for 2 years.

Whilst Uthayakumar was charged for sedition, the powers that be could not wait for the Courts to hear the charge, let alone convict him. It looks like the Government does not trust the Judicial system as well. Why else do they arbitrarily use Section 8(1) of the Internal Security Act to detain these 5 without trial for 2 years? The Government now acts as Prosecutor, Judge and Jury in clear disregard of the rules of natural justice - to give the person being accused the right to reply and defend himself.

It is not a question of whether the actions taken by the 5 were a threat to national security. Threat, if any, depends on what each and every individual thinks. I for one, do not perceive Hindraf's demands as a threat to me. At best, I might treat it as a frivolous demand, albeit there being merits on some of the demands.

Some might think that this is the way this country shall be ruled. That those who are deemed to be a threat to national security (solely upon the judgment of the Government) shall be detained for 2 years, without an opportunity to defend oneself. Perhaps, you are not a victim. Perhaps, your family, relative or friend is not a victim. It's someone else's problem and as long as I can earn a living, these people should just shut up and be sent to detention camp because they are not my problem.

The problem with this kind of thinking is that we think it won't happen to us. Just like when a neighbour's house gets burglared. It's their problem. We mind our own business. Until the day comes when our home is burglared. And we have no one to count on as everybody is minding their own business. Such is the state of apathy in our country.

If you believe in God, if you believe in such a thing as justice and fairness and if you believe in retribution to those who willingly victimise others, then be a concerned citizen and vote against the use of the Internal Security Act and other draconian pieces of legislation in this country. It is indeed a sad day for Malaysia.