LETTER | I refer to the Malaysiakini report 'Death awaits you' – threat shocks DAP rep.

It baffles my mind that despite all that has transpired post GE14 there are still operatives out there planning to cause extreme mischief and terrorise members of the Malaysian society.

Only the foolish or someone who has deep roots and clout may think he is above the law to issue threats. And under the criminal code, it is an offence to utter or convey a threat to cause death or bodily harm to any person.

So I am indeed really disturbed that Seri Delima assemblyperson Syerleena Abdul Rashid (above) has received one. I have noticed that ever since the nation decided to clean up the nation of corrupt officials, politicians, and their entourage of families involved, certain operatives have decided to initiate more challenges which have a racial and religious tone and baiting.

Sadly, these operatives have yet to be warned by their own political parties while others have taken on to attempt to terrorise not just politicians from the other side of the divide but also their supporters and members of the administration and so forth.

And sadly when this happens and is not checked fast enough there are cries to allow the continuance of draconian laws such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the Sedition Act 1948, the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca), the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota) and the mandatory death sentence.

We cannot now deny that with the possibility of both local and foreign operatives in the country, the threats to the stability and harmony of a fragile society such as in Malaysia remains.

More so when those defeated in GE14 continue with their race and religious baiting. And we would be foolish to think that the Pakatan Harapan victory in the 14th general election has rid our beloved nation of the narrative of super bigotry, fascism and racism.

The fragility of our society is very obvious given that race and religion have always been abused by political and religious operatives from ages ago. Abusing religion and attacking minorities has been the fast track method of bankrupt politicians to move up in their political office.

We have yet to address this serious blemish on our political system. And the fact remains that only security laws and an alert security apparatus have indeed kept us safe from the destructive motives of both local and foreign operatives in Malaysia bent on causing mayhem in our multi-racial, multi-religious society.

In this latest death threat, it is obvious someone is testing the dedication and commitment of our security apparatus and it is time we show them what we can do with the resources we have.

This threat against Syerleena is a threat against all peaceful and law-abiding Malaysians. I urge the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act swiftly to rope in the culprits.

For national and public interest, it is paramount that no space be given to drag in those behind such terrorist tactics, period.

The writer is president, Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa).

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.