Warnings Rain Down But Inaction Makes Justice Evaporate

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It never rains but it pours. After a week of silence over the Penang inverted flag controversy - a stunt that ignited racial tension, the floodgates suddenly opened.
On Friday morning, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared authorities “must take action against those fanning flames, regardless of status”.
Hours later, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) warned against “improper flag displays” and public vigilantism. By Saturday, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang announced cabinet approval for “firm action against irresponsible politicians”.
Yet this flurry of statements reeks of reactive theatre. Why did it take seven days of simmering tension for leaders to act? And why do these warnings sound like recycled scripts?
ADSAnwar stated that authorities must take action against those responsible for fueling the fire, regardless of their status or position.
“If there are those who have the responsibility (to take action), feel that they are not ready for this, let me know, we will replace them with people who have principles and the bravery to act,” Anwar said.
The AGC’s statement stated that any mistake relating to the installation or display of the Malaysian flag in an improper manner that may cause confusion, misunderstanding, or public disturbance may be subject to legal action.
These statements may not reflect the seriousness of the issues in the current circumstances. Still, the question is: Why wait for the issue to simmer and cause tension for a week?
Talking tough
But how many warnings are needed? Didn’t Anwar give similar warnings before?
In July 2023, he gave a final warning to “extremists” who play up the 3R (royalty, race, religion) issues.
He said the police and MCMC are continuing to monitor the alleged extremists, and no party will escape legal action.
“The MCMC and the police will monitor everyone without exception. It is not an issue whether the extremist is a Malay, is of high stature, or speaks in Mandarin or Tamil.”
Then, in September last year, Anwar was at it again. Dismissing allegations that his administration rules with an iron fist when it comes to matters involving race, religion, and royalty, he said there would be no compromise on the security of the people.
“You want to talk about religion, Islam, or other faiths. You want to talk about race, dissatisfaction, and express objections. This is allowed. What is not permitted is sedition, instigating violence, or stirring racial unrest,” he said.
But the AGC’s statement can be taken with a pinch of salt. Wasn’t it deputy public prosecutor Ainul Amirah who told the High Court that the AGC was unwilling to prosecute Perlis-based preacher Zamri Vinoth and Multiracial Reverted Muslims founder and president Firdaus Wong, as police had classified their cases as “no further action”?
Zamri Vinoth (left) and Firdaus WongADSDouble standards
In March, then inspector-general of police Razarudin Husain confirmed 894 police reports had been lodged against Zamri.
He said the AGC was still studying the investigation paper, and the police had yet to receive further instructions.
However, in July, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said told Parliament that the AGC said there is insufficient evidence to prosecute Zamri and Firdaus.
But the one who must take the cake is Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who in March confirmed the existence of selective prosecution.
“I can confirm that if action had been taken based on existing laws, many of (PAS secretary-general) Takiyuddin Hassan’s colleagues would be affected,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying.
“If I or the police were to enforce provisions under the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act, or other laws, they would be among the most frequently penalised,” he added.
I had then commented: “There is a permanent fix to all this - apply the law equally and fairly without exception.”
Anwar’s government has cycled through “simple”, “stern”, and “final” warnings while the AGC and the police weaponise “insufficient evidence” to allegedly shield some parties.
Until prosecutions match promises, these declarations are mere political rain dances - loud, ritualistic, and ultimately fruitless.
The fix is simple but politically inconvenient - apply the law uniformly, or stop pretending you ever will. - Mkini
R NADESWARAN believes all the warnings will not work unless the government uses the big stick by prosecuting all the miscreants irrespective of race, religion, creed, or status. Comments: [email protected].
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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