The real culprit behind this whole sordid issue is Khir Toyo. But like Ahmad Ismail, Khir is an Umno member, and so is above the law.

On Kok not involved in azan petition, says mosque

LCH: Aside from the fact that Teresa Kok's arrest was opportunistic at best, malicious at worst, there are several issues that should be discussed by the public.

For example, what role does the government of Selangor play in this fiasco? And should not the central government consult the state government regarding the mosque issue rather than storm in with the cavalry unannounced? What right does the state government, which the people voted for, have?

Secondly, one thing that is obvious is that the matter of the azan petition is one between the residents and the mosque. I am pretty sure the mosque is capable of handling its relations with the people in its community, and I am pretty sure that the people living in that area are capable of holding friendly dialogues to discuss matters. Why must the central government interfere?

If the central government is so fond of poking its nose into community matters, why doesn't it send in the troops to round up all the criminals that are roaming the streets unimpeded by our vigilant law enforcers?

I am deeply troubled that the residents and the mosque were not allowed to search for a compromise and understanding. This has nothing to do with racial sentiment. The government is turning every mundane issue that remotely involves religion into an excuse to cause trouble, and I think rakyat of all religions must work together to put a stop to this.

Tim Finian: An idle mind is the devil's workshop. Nothing can be further from the truth than in the case of a former Selangor MB who has been rendered 'surplus to needs' by the ruling elite since after the severe trouncing he received in the last general elections.

Apparently, the man is in dire need of some serious counseling and therapy to overcome the trauma which explains his vindictive, bitter and resentful demeanour, which has been consumed with envy at the success of the very people he once lorded over.

Today, denied an effective platform to spew his usual vitriol, he has resorted to the humble blog to spin his juvenile mischief. Blogging recklessly like a gossiping maid, he spins his usual web of half'truths and deceit, hoping to 'strike gold' like an avid punter. One can imagine him now, wallowing in his own demented laughter at seeing his devious efforts pay off.

It is frightening to note that he is willing to 'crawl on all fours' to achieve his selfish and convoluted objectives and even more frightening to know that there are equally devious individuals who are willing to buy his 'homemade'brew' hook, line and sinker.

The only thing his actions have proven are his very own spiritual, moral and political bankruptcy for all and sundry to see and gawk.

While candles are being lit for his victim, I think we should spare a few for this demented soul.

Simon Yap: The real culprit behind this whole sordid issue is Khir Toyo. But like Ahmad Ismail, Khir is an Umno member, and so is above the law. So, I suspect that even if Teresa is released, Khir will come away unscathed. Such is the injustice in our country.

There is a dual system of justice. If you are part of the government, disciplinary action by your party is sufficient. If you are not, you will be arrested and made to suffer.

This logic is revoltingly flawed.

On Teresa's whereabouts unknown, parents worried

Bangsa Malaysia : It is such an irony that even a person charged with the worst criminal offence has more rights than someone who is not charged, but detained under ISA.

The person detained under the ISA cannot be contacted. Such persons are held in an unknown place, have no rights to a lawyer, or even to meet their loved ones. Relatives and friends are left to wonder if the person is well, given fair treatment or even still alive.

As a concerned Malaysian citizen who has the same hopes as all Malaysians, to see Malaysia progress and achieve a ‘civil society', I shudder when I consider these points. Is there a future for us and our children?

To the people in government now (namely the home minister and the prime minister - please don't pass the buck) I ask this question: What is the charge for holding Teresa Kok and RPK in detention. Why can't they be contacted? What right do you have to keep them in detention?

There is not a shred of evidence to support your rationale for detaining Teresa. The supposed victims of her action have even come out in her defense. If Teresa and RPK have done anything wrong, charge them under the law that you have been given the mandate to keep. If you cannot fulfill this mandate, then step aside.

This is not just about one or two individuals. This is about the rule of law. This is about building and maintaining a democratic and progressive country. Do you want to see Malaysia among the ranks of the civilised nations or do you wish to see Malaysia go backwards to the dark ages, where thuggery, corruption, feudal servitude and rule of might is the law?

JD Lovrenciear: Malaysians are unsafe in their own homeland. Fears and threats dominate their lives. At home we sleep with tightly-bolted doors, grills, alarms, watchdogs and watchmen for fear of a robbery.

On the streets, we walk with handbags clutched for fear of being snatched and in the process, brutally injured. We dart across car parks for fear of being raped.

We are reluctant to speak our mind for fear of drummed-up charges and being detained under the ISA. Freedom of speech has become fear of speaking out for truth and justice. Peaceful assemblies are a no-no here as the police will always 'advise' that they can get out of control.

Editors of mainstream media have daunting daily tasks of making sure they fray no coats.

While progressive nations are re'discovering the meaning and power of democracy and rule of law in a liberal world, we are being frightened with racial and religious clashes.

Everyday, we are forced into thinking and acting not as Malaysians but as people of different ethnic origins and with unequal rights.

While this young nation has some four million ethno'linguistic native groups, we only talk of Malays, Chinese and Indians.

When nations all over the globe are having dialogues, we are stifling ourselves out of fear of racial riots.

While politicians across the planet are talking of minority rights and racial integration out of respect and acceptance, we are being told that these are ‘sensitive and dangerous' issues.

In the final analysis, ordinary Malaysians live in fear in their own homeland. Are we not prisoners of this new war?

On Bar to call for EGM on ISA arrests

JY: I'm most heartened that our Malaysian Bar Council is taking positive action to stop the use of draconian law like ISA which allows for detention without trial for an indefinite period. Alas, the scholars of law can come forward and talk to the government about the rule of law, but there is no guarantee that the government will listen.

Instead of doing positive work like improving the economy and going after real criminals, the government is busying itself going after people who it considers a threat to its survival. When will this government learn? I fear when it does, it will be too late.