I refer to the letter Barricades in Subang Jaya: Tell us something we don't know and Subang Jaya barricades: State rep appreciated.

The views in the abovementioned letters show clearly how any issue can be easily exploited by any 'opportunistic politician' to score points with the rakyat. Some simple basic questions would put it in the proper perspective:-

1 Is crime serious in Subang? Yes, as it is throughout the country.

2 Are residents fearful and frustrated ? Evidently so!

3 Any confidence in the police for protection? Ever so low and ebbing.

4 Should we protect ourselves? Yes, but within the law and not resorting to vigilantism or at the expense of the rights of others.

5 Can we set up barricades? Yes, if you restrict them to your house or private property only; you can even 'booby-trap' your garden against intruders in the night.

6 Is it legal to barricade public roads? Not unless you own them yourself or collectively with others, in which case, it won't be public property.

7 Can one be prosecuted for it? Yes, just as for breaking any other written law of the land.

8 But the elected state representative says it is ‘okay’? Hmmm.. she did?

9 But she stressed that it is only a 'temporary' measure? Odd, isn't it, that a 'temporary illegality' becomes an ‘instant legality’ so long as it is not permanent. By the same analogy, it means that if you double-park your car and obstruct traffic, it's not an offence or illegal unless you intend to park there permanently.

10 But then, we residents behind the barricades, appreciate her support for the 'illegal' barricades? I would too if anyone would take a stretch of public road and give it to me free to treat as my very own private property. Never mind even if it is only for a 'temporary' period of five years, or that it denies countless other taxpayers of rightful access.

11 But the state rep is more concerned about making people feel 'safe' in Subang, than about breaking the law? Perhaps she should start issuing firearm permits to all homeowners (like in the US. After all, it should be all right if she makes it clear that it is only 'temporary' until the police shape up and get things under control, right? When that happens, 'barricades' will no longer be available as an issue for opportunistic politicians to politicise. We won't need barricades any more than we need politicians.

12 If it is really 'illegal', why do some politicians from both BN and Pakatan Rakyat support the barricading of public roads and thereby break the law? Yes, they are known to jump at the chance to make self-praising speeches at such public media events, aren't they?

For the opposition, it's a golden opportunity to point out the root cause of lawlessness as the failure of the BN (read as ‘Vote Me Next’).

For the BN candidate, it's the bravado of the brave and principled elected rep who dares to criticise his BN leaders (read as ‘Vote Me Again’).

For voters and lowly roadusers like you and me, it's a no-win situation to choose between two 'lawmakers' who are in fact 'lawbreakers'.