I am in my mid-60s. And like most Malaysians, I have been witnessing the deterioration of respectability and understanding of religion by extreme Islamists in the country over the years, whereas Malaysians who practice non-Islamic religions - be it Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and others - have largely respected Islam and even understood it for it being the religion of the majority in the country.
The recent spate of Hindu temple demolitions is burning the hearts of the Hindus as well as the hearts of peaceloving and tolerant people of the world. Religion is a very sensitive matter and will create havoc in a country if not properly handled by those in power. This is why our forefathers have the freedom of worship and to practice one's chosen religion enshrined in the Federal Constitution - the supreme law of the land - albeit the Federal Court sees it otherwise!
However, we must appreciate that the ordinary Malay folks do respect the places of worship and practice of other religions. The real culprits are the fanatical politicians and extremist Islamic leaders in the state and federal governments. They, being fanatical and extremist in their thinking, treat other religions as a hindrance for the Islamising of Malaysia.
Hence by design and device, temples are demolished under the pretext of development; no titles, no compassion to its followers even though these temples have existed for more than 100 years. Will they demolish a single mosque likewise?
Admittedly, state governments strictly do not provide any government land for the construction of any new temple or churches. Even the allocation of land by private developers for construction of temples are replaced by other schemes, reduced in size or designated to unwanted areas and those near sewerage systems.
This is the atrocious state of affairs today. Pak Lah often says that he is the prime minister for all Malaysians. Whilst he keenly Islamise the government machinery and system, let him not create more and more fanatics in the process who will be detrimental to nation building.
Even Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation in the world with almost 90% being Muslims, respecting and understanding all religions are deeply-rooted, appreciated and even enhanced with Bali still remaining a strict Hindu island.
At last, S Samy Vellu as the leader of MIC for more than two decades, spoke well on the temple issue recently. But he too was ignored. So in reality the decisions of the federal minister, the cabinet or the state exco, do not sink into the administration and government officials.
Police too play second fiddle to the situation when demolition of places of worships are carried out. Their duty is to protect all people and uphold law and order in total fairness. They should advise the state officials to be careful and not stir racial or religious riots by ruthless demolition of places of worship rather than aiding and abetting the officials in their aggressive actions.
The state government machinery as we see it, is a case of the tail waging the dog. Only a strong political leadership can do the job effectively and fairly. If Pak Lah can turn around the Anti-Corruption Agency to catch the big fish now, so can he in other pressing issues in the country.
Over to you, Pak Lah - the PM for all Malaysians. Stop all the rot before the general election. This general election is not going to be one that will be given on a silver platter as the last one for the problems faced by the people are many indeed.