COMMENT | Many years ago, Malayans under British rule raised the Union Jack and sang “God Save the Queen” – the one and only song at official functions. It was supposed to express their support for someone or something and hope that the monarchy will live or last. The British have left and we have incorporated a similar line in our own “NegaraKu”.

In Britain, where freedom of expression extends to the extremes, the punk rock band Sex Pistols released its own version of a song with their name and subsequently included it in their only album, “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols.”

In any language or faith, God means the Almighty – the man or woman up there, supposedly watching our good deeds, sins and other indiscretions. To some believers, they will be rewarded for their efforts (including 72 virgins, as promised by interpreters claiming to be men of God).

For non-believers, there’s no God and therefore, they care a damn for rewards or punishment. The principle is to each his own beliefs, thoughts and action.

People have no qualms about that. But when the Almighty’s name is drawn in vain, you got to stand up and ask: “Is this why such prayers, offerings and sacrifices are made?”

This is because, of late, those suspected of theft, fraud and criminal breach of trust have turned to the Almighty for an excuse. Seriously, what has the Almighty got to do when you put your hand in the till?

It should not go into legalese and jargon. The bland interpretation of theft is the act of taking something (illegally) without the knowledge of the owner. What has God got to do this?

When caught with their pants down, the alleged perpetrators would scream: “This is a test from…”. It can’t be repeated because the religious zealots will come after me for breaching their edict, because only they can refer to God by that name.

Let me reiterate that I have no quarrel with any religion. I have been taught to respect one another’s beliefs because each has its own values, ethics and morals. In law school, we were told that laws are derived from moral and religious values, like “thou shalt not steal” or “thou shalt not commit adultery”. They were later codified as law.

Did God ask you to take people’s money?

Therefore, when suspected criminals pronounce their supposed innocence by saying “it’s God’s will”, many of us have a problem with this kind of proclamation.

Did God set you a test by asking you to steal? Did God ask you to take people’s money and put it into your account and treat it as your own? Did God say such acts will be forgiven after a “test”? How many tests does one need from God? Yes, I believe that one day, we will all meet our maker – but expending his name before and after being taken to court is sheer baloney!

If you steal, rob, plunder or become a kleptocrat, there’s no God that will save you from the wrath of the long arm of the law. No use the prayers before going to court; no use assembling supposed men of God of all faiths; and no use for shamans and witch doctors to “communicate with Him or Her”.

Not even the screams of unemployed actresses and the placard-bearing delinquents with religious slogans is going to bring change.

At the end of the day, it will be the rule of the land that will be supreme. In the context of what I have been saying, the Penal Code, the Anti-Money Laundering Act and other legislation will be the deciding factor. The judges will be making their decisions based on facts and the evidence before them.

If I wear a diamond necklace and a million ringgit watch, and if asked, I have to answer as to the source of my wealth. I can’t say that I started since young because if I had worked all my life, I would not have enough money to acquire such valuables legitimately – even if I had prayed to God for reward for all the good deeds. For that matter, I cannot say that “God remunerated through a windfall in the lottery jackpot.” Of course, gambling is not permitted by certain religions.

So, why this lengthy riposte on God, you may ask? I have read enough and heard enough of this bull**** called “by the will of God”; “the test from God” and several other lies articulated in the name of the Almighty to proclaim innocence. Enough is enough – face the music and let the law take its course.

Finally, I must confess that I have done a few things which are not the norm, like breaking traffic laws; not complying with lawful instructions and other derelictions. I paid the price and penalty and will continue to take the rap without invoking the Almighty or religious beliefs – mine or others.

R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who believes that God can remain in your heart without you having to show your religious convictions in places of worship, or the saying of prayers seeking forgiveness in public. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.