It was shocking to read your report Police ignored mob, say forum organisers .

Although the strong condemnation by the Minister in the Prime Minister s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz was reassuring, nevertheless it is not enough to quell the fears of ordinary peace loving citizens.

Indeed, it is very distressing to know that a legitimate forum by law-abiding citizens can be interrupted by mob rule in the very presence of the police who should provide the necessary protection.

Is this type of mob rule going to be the norm in the future? The thought of mob rule taking over the country sends shivers and fears among citizens who love peace and want to solve problems by negotiations and discussions in a civilised manner.

The federal constitution is the document that guarantees the rights of all citizens. If that itself is blatantly trampled upon by brutal means, how can we expect to be given our legitimate rights as citizens of this country? There has been lot of talk of nationalism and patriotism, but are those only for certain groups?

The majority of Malaysians are sensible and law-abiding and would engage in dialogues to solve whatever problems that surface from time to time. We should not allow a small group to upset the peace and harmony we have today. They should not be allowed to use the threat of violence to suppress the problems facing us.

The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, should come out strongly against these people who resort to mob rule. The government must do more to stop the country from sliding into lawlessness. The police, too, should act firmly and fairly to protect the citizens against mob rule.