Vigilantism must be nipped in the bud

EVERY time my daughter takes the car out, I find myself repeatedly telling her to be very careful on the road. Too many people have been beaten up and some even killed because of mobs taking the law into their own hands.

Even the elderly are not spared. We have all read reports of violent drivers stopping and beating up other drivers just for honking. A mishap involving a motorcycle invites a mindless mob that surrounds the unfortunate car driver who is then badly beaten up or at the very least threatened.

Mob rule has become the norm in other situations as well. A group of vigilantes tracked down an individual whom they accused of insulting their religion. The man was intimidated and forced to participate in a video where he “confessed” his mistake. The individual was later charged in court, fined and sentenced to 12 months in jail.

How is it possible for vigilantes to become the custodians of the law in this country? Are we seeing a descent into violent behaviour by vigilantes and mobs such as in countries like Pakistan where even a false accusation regarding religion can cause a lynching mob to attack an individual?

The toxic state of politics in Malaysia is contributing to this outrageous trend of violent behaviour. I implore the police to take stern action against vigilantes and individuals involved in mobs, be it on the road or other public places. Sooner or later, an innocent person can be harmed or killed if this trend is not nipped in the bud.

Stern action must also be taken against those who endanger the lives of others by revealing their personal details on social media, thereby giving vigilantes the opportunity to attack.

As one who is involved in charity work, I find numerous Malaysians struggling to make ends meet. I see so many homeless people on the streets, sleeping on the pavements at night. So many families are struggling to put food on the table due to the rising cost of living in this country.

Let all the provocative, toxic and mindless altercations by politicians that promote vigilantism be put to an end. Instead, let us all work towards a progressive nation in harmony and where everyone feels safe.

DEVARAJ RAMOO Seremban