Reading the letters, columns and news, I don't know whether to laugh or be sad for my fellow Malaysians. The outrage expressed by all in these pieces over the latest political episode in Malaysia takes me by surprise. Are Malaysians that ignorant about what Malaysia has become? Or have been all this while?

Listen, there is no rule of law in Malaysia. Whatever made you think there was? The law, like the constitution, is to be used only when necessary. Like Panadol, KY and condoms.

Tell me you did not bribe, did not break the speed limit or turn a blind eye to the shenanigans of the authorities? Which teacher did not open a tuition center, teaching her school students what should have been taught in school?

Which leader did not make a pact with the people, ‘you scratch my back, I scratch your back so don't demand so much!' Malaysians made a pact with the devil, accepting May 13 and saying never again Malaysian blood on the streets by Malaysians.

Now, when the memory is dim, or even unknown to the youth, when our ethics have sunk to so low to a point where we readily buy stolen intellectual property such as pirated DVD's and fake Rolexes, fake Gucci bags and even prostitutes at karaokes, spas and hotels, we dare to demand for a principled-based rule again?

Malaysia is on the path of Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Philippines and Fiji. These are shining examples of failed nations, where the citizens are left to their wits and own devices to find shelter and to put food on the table.

All because the peoples had agreed to be divided by the seduction of fascism and apartheid, ie, ‘I am superior to you, I deserve this more than you. Look! There is the evil person that is the cause of your failure.'.

Today, Malaysia is in the same GNI (Gross National Income) league with Gabon and Botswana (with Gabon ranked higher than Malaysia according to Raja Petra Kamaruddin). Its leadership, both governing and opposition, are incapable of pulling the people together to drive for a better nation.

What kind of leaders do you expect anyway from the pool of people left behind in this country? People who abandon dogs on barren islands (and make global headlines), who bully their maids and practice road-bullying daily.

The Malaysian people today have a ‘winner take all and loser be dammed' attitude. ‘I am the boss. I do what I want, screw the law'.

Ever see any senior officer's car being issued a ticket for illegal parking? Where you can even see the stretch Perdana with the ‘Hakim' badge parked in a ‘no waiting' zone? See how the ‘adat' in certain states can be ignored?

See how the constitution can be ignored? See how the police can walk into a state assembly to remove certain heroic obstacles (but not into the Parliament lobby to rescue a wheelchair-bound legislator from an intimidatory group )?

See how some legislative speakers are dragged out of their chairs and their authority ignored (while others can simply dismiss motions to question a confirmed corrupt chief cinister?)

So my fellow Malaysians, warts and all, if you firmly believe in leadership by example, then take the cue from our leaders.

If you don't, then only you would be suffering from heartburn and indigestion. Cheers, enjoy your ‘stengah' and don't forget the antacids.