No one is above the law, so we know. But in Malaysia, the law certainly seems beneath the person. With the 'right' connection in place, even the most punishable of offences are pardoned. One such recent example concerns the Selangor councillor Zakaria Mohd Deros and Klang municipal councillor Mazlynoor Abdul Latiff who both were under the illusion that the law is beneath them.

Both very conveniently took matters into their own hand when they decided to 'flaunt' their wealth through the construction of their respective 'mansions'. As 'wakil rakyat', it is baffling how both these men have amassed so much wealth. Should both of them take offence at this statement, then it would only befit their image as 'wakil rakyat' to be 'telus' or transparent and make it known how they managed to strike it big just by being local councillors.

To have no respect for the laws of the country simply reflects their arrogance in believing that power can buy anything including the laws of the country. Such is the sad truth of today's time in that money is worshiped and people are used.

Why, the cocky Zakaria believes that he is immune to laws of any kind and can go about doing just about anything he wants. And this he foolishly made clear when he refused to apologise for flouting the law and relinquishing his post. Amidst all the pressure coming his way, Zakaria, the Port Klang state assemblyperson and Klang Umno division head, only vacated his post after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi intervened.

Zakaria had further displayed his disrespect for the law when he built a restaurant on state land without approval. He continued with this 'couldn't care less' attitude of the law with the alienation of a 43,000 sq ft plot of land to his wife Zizah Ngah. This episode sparked anger among the people as Zizah obtained the land - worth in excess of RM1 million - for only RM180,000.

Equally disrespectful of the law is Mazlynoor who made no attempt to quit his councillor's post amidst cries of indignation from the public for his illegally-built mansion. Joining them in a show of 'public contempt' was Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Khir Toyo who, however, suddenly realised the need to be realistic and fair in Zakaria's case.

Double standards

In a so-called frank opinion through the media on Nov 4, Khir went on record to say that his state government had long known about the existence of many properties, extensions and even some 5,000 factories constructed without obtaining all the approvals necessary from the local councils.

He added that enforcement action had been selective because the state wanted to be 'a friendly government' and not execute dramatic measures that might cause hardship for the rakyat.

Khir said unless a property or building extension was a safety threat or hindered traffic, local councils were quite tolerant about not taking action although they were illegally constructed.

"Such properties include temples and even the headquarters of political parties. If I go strictly by the book instead of taking into account public interest and racial harmony, imagine the outcry if I were to execute the demolition orders," he was quoted as saying.

As he has raised the issue of temples and racial harmony, Khir knows that many temples in his state have been demolished. For peace sake, he should not use temples and racial harmony as an excuse to condone illegal practises. Unlike mosques which have the privilege of being allocated land, temples and churches do not enjoy such luxury.

Khir said he 'was told' to be fair and act without fear or favour and that he should not practise double standards. The menteri besar, however, did not disclose who it was who was telling him to do this - was it the government or was it his 'advisors'?

Khir in his 'frankness' only confirmed what the people of Selangor believe - that it is corrupt state. And how would it not be if 'leaders' like Khir have no qualms 'closing an eye' to wrongdoings. He should stop all rhetoric about not wanting to 'cause hardship for the rakyat'.

He should instead act like a committed wakil rakyat and go to the ground to see for himself how the people are faring. Unless, of course, Khir is only too busy getting a face lift to make time for his people.

It is obvious that politicians the likes of Zakaria and Mazlynoor seem to enjoy taking the rakyat for a ride and when caught in the act, they blurt out a mere apology hoping that bygones will be left bygones. But it is time that kind-hearted Malaysians stop being so forgiving and take corrupt politicians to task.

There should be no second chances for corrupt politicians also known as 'wakil rakyat'. Let them learn the hard way the heavy price there is to pay for thinking that they're above the law. For too long now the people, under the excuse of 'being served', have been fooled and taken for granted by politicians like Zakaria and company.

Nothing but baloney

The cry and plea by NGOs that local councillors be elected and not appointed has its merit and one can only pray that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has the sense to realise this and do the right thing. In this regard, his recent comment that the government would study whether elected representatives should be made members of local authorities is not also feasible but very timely.

In this regard, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan's view that elected representatives who are members of local authorities can better serve the public's interest is nothing short of baloney.

He should be aware that history has shown that many a time, elected representatives who also serve as local councillors have done more harm than good to the people. It has been shown many times that state assemblymen who also serve as local councillors have no idea of what is going on in their areas. And why would they when topmost on their list is to make it big, financially speaking.

The people must quickly take cognisance of the incident involving Zakaria and Mazlynoor and must henceforth adopt an unforgiving attitude towards such greedy politicians who enjoy a joy ride at the people's expense.

The people or rakyat must unite in educating such errant politicians and make them realise that the rakyat has no compassion for selfish wakil rakyat. It is only and until the people themselves realise the need to 'revolt' against errant politicians can a change happen.

If politicians like Zakaria are given the cold shoulder by his supporters, only then would a good and honest sense prevail in him. The people must not get seduced by pretty promises and money politics. Truth must not be prostituted at any cost and this must be realised by the people.

JJ RAY started her career with a mainstream publication. A non-conformist, she soon saw the barriers that went up whenever, through her writing, she tried to make the world a home for one and all.