The cat is finally out of the bag. In clarifying the arrest of Sri Lankan businessman BSA Tahir last week, the government said that they had to use the ISA to arrest him as they didn't have sufficient proof to charge him in court.

In the many years since ISA has been in place, I think these are the most damning words that have ever come out of the government's mouth.

I wonder whether this was just a slip of the tongue by the minister concerned or just a show of arrogance by the ruling 90-percent majority government?

Many of us know that the reason the Barisan Nasional needs the ISA is that many a time they don't have proof to arrest others including opposition politicians.

Also, shame on USA for apparently welcoming the arrest of Tahir. What about all their hoo-ha in the past that the ISA was unjust, unfair and should be abolished?

Looks like that it is the law of the jungle out there and the precedent that is binding is the law of convenience - just bend whichever way one needs to at any particular time.

In closing, Tahir must be awarded by Malaysian Guinness book of records the distinction of being the most foolhardy person of the century.

He knew his rear end was on fire and yet he stuck around in Malaysia.

But then again, could it have been that someone assured him that no action would be taken against him and now he has woken up with a knife in his back?