The past weeks saw major rallies by civil society to voice anger, frustration and calls for good governance. People were arrested, interrogated and even detained under the ISA while others were set free with charges looming over their heads.

Ministers, their deputies and the police warned that such actions raise sensitive issues and are thus a threat to public harmony and could cause unrest. The prime minister went to the extent of saying that such groups are out to destroy the country . The inspector-general of police (IGP) also advised that such actions would jeopardise peace and stability.

Really? Where were the prime minister, the same ministers, deputies and the IGP when a few hundred Malay-Muslims entered a church compound in Ipoh late last year? Weren’t they causing fear to those who were gathering for their usual Sunday worship? Was that alright? Are they free to do anything, even disrupting adherents of a particular religion and intimidating them in their place of worship?

This demonstration was due to the circulation of a false SMS alleging that the church was holding a mass baptism of Malay-Muslims . What did the police and their intelligence say about the SMS and rumours? What about those who spread text messages with religious undertones? This was not an assembly to hand over a memorandum. It was a demonstration.

The police were there but only to protect the mob, allowing them to demonstrate at the church over nothing. The police and others had information two weeks before the incident. But there were no warnings issued about the gathering. It did not create headlines. There were no threats, restraining orders, spot-check of vehicles causing massive traffic jams all over the city, no roadblocks or attempts to prevent them from gathering at someone else’s place of worship.

There were no warnings issued to teachers and lecturers from getting involved. Leaders were not intimidated or arrested under the Sedition Act or the Internal Security Act. Nobody commented that such a group was out to destroy the country. No water cannons, chemical-laced water, violence, low-flying helicopters were used against the protesters. No charges were made against the protesters.

A woman, some small fry, was detained, questioned and then released due to a lack of evidence. The real culprits are still off the hook. It looks like no action will ever be taken against them. Even the Muslim Professionals Forum was silent about the demonstrators.

All this while the government and their enforcement agencies abetted the protesters. Why these double standards? Is it because Christianity does not enjoy a “privileged position” in the constitution? Or is it because those involved in the demonstrations have “special rights”according to our constitution? I can almost hear some ministers shouting in unison “Do not question our rights in our land.”

It seems that only the causes of the ruling party, a particular religion or particular sector of society seem genuine and need be highlighted. Perhaps only such people are capable of peaceful assembly. Protestors and mobsters are protected while those who wish to gather peacefully cannot.

Religion is a more powerful emotive force than race. The government and enforcement agencies must take heed of this and be fair to all. Politicians and the police must examine their conscience. The police must be seen as apolitical and not be blatantly beholden to self-serving politicians.

Mr PM, ministers and Mr IGP, all fair-minded Malaysians are still waiting for answers. Please convince us that everyone is equal before the law. There cannot be selective protection, persecution and prosecution.