I refer to the Malaysiakini report Protect Karpal's right to views, says Santiago .

Like all Malaysians, Karpal Singh too, I am sure, holds the personality of the Sultan of Perak DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah in high esteem and honour especially for his level of erudition, stature and the respectability that Sultan Azlan Shah commands owing to the fact that he is a former Lord President of international repute.

Surely therefore having known him as such in the judiciary and legal fraternity for so long, Karpal would not even subconsciously throw any insult or commit a misdeed towards the sultan.

From the statements of Karpal, it is certainly a legal or technical issue. The sultan was more concerned of the menteri besar (MB) transferring the head of Islamic department without exercising adherence to natural justice for the transfer.

By right the MB should have consulted and obtained the consent of the Ruler before taking any steps to transfer him. Karpal merely pointed out that the jurisdiction of transfer is within the purview of the state government under the MB. In fact, the state secretary should have given the right advice to the MB on this matter and the sultan would not have interfered.

Now we see a gamut of police reports being made against Karpal for sedition, treason, etc. This is a reflection of foolery on the part of those who made the reports. Even the sultan would be amused over this twist of events that has become a political football. Umno politicians are giving all sort of definitions for treason, loyalty. allegiance etc and making this episode into one for political vendetta.

I just want ask one question - how did the Umno government of Terengganu back in 1996 amend the state Constitution to remove the sultan from being the head of Islam in the state and substituted the sultan with that of the MB? Is this is not treason against the then sultan then what is?

Why did no Umno member or even PAS leader lodge police reports against the then state Umno leaders or even Umno federal government leaders? The Umno or Umno-linked NGO leaders who have made their recent police reports against Karpal are seeking cheap publicity and inciting a good innocent majority of Malays to rebel against a non-Malay leader.

This can be clearly seen by the daily bombardment of adverse propaganda undertaken by RTM and TV3 in their prime news time. The propaganda is ruthlessly inciting the Malays against the non-Malays. Any responsible government should stop this hate syndrome via the public media and let the courts decide on this matter should the need arise.

However, as a senior citizen and in the interest of peace and harmony in our land, may I humbly appeal to Sultan of Perak to clear the episode by advising all parties concerned so that the attorney-general would not act in haste.

Prosecute Karpal for sedition or treason or whatever and it will make our country a laughing stock in the eyes of the world especially when more serious sins were committed in Terengganu in 1996. Some ninnies in Umno may even suggest that this writer, too, be charged for sedition for giving advice!