I refer to the Malaysiakini report Two nights in a police lock-up.

A senior foreign diplomat friend asked me last night if my country was in such a ‘state of political mess and turmoil’ that the authorities had to revert to obtaining ‘restraining orders’ and arresting journalists.

Instead of deploying resources and manpower to address the country’s skyrocketing crime index, police assets were used to stop a peaceful demonstration on the rising costs of living. Basic logic demands that these police resources should have been used elsewhere.

I told my diplomat friend that only an idiot would attempt to mitigate on behalf of the authorities for the inexplicable decisions they have made.

The truth remains that it was pretty illogical and utterly foolish for Malaysiakini journalist Syed Jaymal Zahiid to be arrested and charged while covering the Protes assembly last Saturday.

He is out on bail. And, certainly, all politically-enlightened and legally-conscious Malaysians, and others in the civilised international arena, are anxiously looking forward to the hearing scheduled for June 16-18 provided the authorities do not – for inexplicable reasons – withdraw the said charge against Syed!

But if the show goes on – and I hope it does to preserve the sanctity of the law and address alleged abuse – I am certain there will be no shortage of lawyers willing to defend Syed Jaymal Zahiid pro bono.

But the sad part is that while many of us are working so hard – domestically and abroad – to position our nation as a civilised, politically vibrant, legally mature and democratically strong, such incidents embarrass us. They are interpreted as acts of intimidation to undermine media freedom and the right of journalists to report.

Perhaps certain quarters obsessed with holding on to political power at all costs are not bothered any more about public opinion, decency, political ethics, fair play and justice let alone international reaction and condemnation. Perhaps they are also not bothered by such clear abuses of power as denying the public the right to hold peaceful assemblies and preventing journalists from carrying out their duties.

If our national security is really under threat - and there is clear and unquestionable evidence - then certainly, by all means, take the needed action in the public interest. But give the accused the right to a proper defense and let the public have access to reporting from unhindered journalists.

But if for each and every show of peaceful protest and dissent we indulge in obtaining blanket unilateral restraining orders and the use of maximum force against the general public and the press, the nation cannot but look pretty paranoid in the eyes of today's enlightened world.

And it is acts like these that bleed the peace-loving hearts of Malaysians and, sadly, give credence to others who say that, indeed, Malaysia has become a police state.