I refer to the malaysiakini report Many illegal buildings, like Zakaria's, not demolished .

"Should the controversial 'Pandamaran palace' be demolished, many property owners in Selangor will face a similar predicament," warns the Selangor menteri besar.

According to Khir Toyo's logic, because there are too many transgressors, the law cannot take its course. This is akin to saying that action cannot be taken against those who are corrupt because many will get into trouble. How could BN allow this mindset to continue if Pak Lah has repeatedly stressed a war against corruption?

Given that our government, which has all the powers in hand, will not demolish Zakaria's house, I would suggest that the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) go strictly by the book on other aspects and demolish those parts of the house which, even had he submitted plans, would not have met the council's requirements. For example, anything above two storeys as well as any other infringement of building by-laws, should be demolished.

This compromise would at least show that the state government is fair and would likely appease those who insist on total demolition to comply strictly with the rules and regulations. To those members of the public who were penalised by the MPK previously in accordance with the law however, anything less than a total demolition would not be fair.

Those who are responsible for enforcement should take the rap for allowing the situation to reach such a stage. One or more who are directly responsible must be held accountable and seen to be so otherwise it makes a mockery of the law.

Feedback from letters here and discussions have shown that the people have gotten so used to BN's double-standards that they know the transgressors will be let off lightly and everything will go back to 'normal'.

If the PM is serious about setting a higher standard for transparency and accountability, then he should start to be strict about enforcing the laws and make sure that there is always someone who will be held responsible. Until we see action, it will be mere rhetoric, over and over again.