The Sun on July 1 reported Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Muhyuddin Yassin as telling the press that political sentiments may have influenced those responsible for causing the fire that gutted Universiti Malaya's Dewan Tunku Canselor early Friday morning and that such action showed fanaticism and narrow-mindedness and is inappropriate for educated people like university graduates. He also openly and shamelessly accused 'fanatical university students' of starting the fire to stop Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad from attending the two-day symposium at the university.

After finding the students guilty of arson in an all-encompassing, sweeping, unjust and contemptible manner, Muhyuddin also had the audacity to say, "However I hope investigations will reveal that no students were involved."

I wish the good minister has more respect for the Fire Brigade Services Department and other authorities carrying out the investigations before opening his mouth. If this is his approach to resolving a situation, I can now understand why consumer problems like illegal pirating of softwares and VCDs, 'skim cepat kaya' and the skyrocketing prices of goods are still prevalent.

Also recent remarks and outbursts by Umno politicians like Rahim Tamby Chik and Azalina Othman Said typically show how Umno handles situations - get an easy scapegoat, come out with the most outrageous accusation, normally branding them as a militant or some anti-government terrorist out to topple the powers that be and find them guilty through a trial-by-media strategy.

No proof is needed and an accused is guilty till proven innocent. Ever wondered why the ISA is such a convenient tool for them?

Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Anuar Zaini Mohd Zain made a very pertinent point when he told Puteri Umno to behave in a more becoming manner.

"Granted a tragedy has happened. When they start accusing others, I think this shows a lack of professionalism," he said.

He added that the university was "inculcating good values, ethics, sensible thinking and rational deduction in our students".