Imagine Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad lamenting that there is no justice and democracy in this lousy world when commenting on the siege on Palestine leader Yasser Arafat. He does not have to look as far as Palestine to see all these.

Only on Tuesday night, Anti-ISA Movement (AIM) was locked out of the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall where a meeting regarding the ISA detainees was to be held. This was done in the name of national security.

Look at Kamunting where three of the ISA 5 are being held despite the Federal Court having decided that they had been illegally detained. Apart from these three, there are more 'resting' in the 'hotel' there.

Look no further than Sungai Buloh, where ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim is spending his time.

Kajang is also another place which is nearer than Palestine where injustice can be found.

So when one wants to defend justice and democracy, one really does not have to look far. Justice and democracy like charity should also begin at home. A doctor should not be dishing out one's medicine for someone else and another for oneself when the ailment is the same.

Even though it is wishful thinking, let's see justice and democracy at home first before we lament about what is happening afar.