There comes a point in time when you know there is just no turning back for some people. Knowingly or not, intentionally or not, and it really doesn’t matter actually, but the conduct and actions of certain people lead you to that unmistakable conclusion, and you say to yourself, “There is no helping that guy”.

As a citizen of Malaysia, I have every right to voice out any criticism against the ruling government, and even the prime minister welcomes such criticisms from citizens as he has so very often said. Freedom of speech some would call it. I can only assume that it is through this freedom the voices of opposition political parties and their views, are heard.

Unfortunately, over the years, it seems that the line between criticising political views and dissenting political views have been muddled and no one seems to know the difference, let alone have tolerance for either of it.

It is one thing for political parties to gain political mileage through acts and deeds, but it is quite another matter altogether when one party is seen to be silencing the other forcibly. In other developed countries, ruling party and opposition party have open debates for everyone to see. Let the people decide for themselves, they say.

There have been many many actions of the ruling government that have gone unanswered, and even if they were, unconvincingly to say the least.

But this is where the fear lies. If one were to probe further to convince himself or herself of the answers given, resistance would be forthcoming. That in turn casts doubt on transparency and true accountability. The police and the prosecution office give you the impression that you do not need to know the actual or whole truth.

The constitutional aspect of law-making in our constitutional democracy seems to be side-stepped. It is not possible for one not to know that rights guaranteed under the constitution are going to be taken away when proposing a piece of legislation. There doesn't seem to be a check and balance. More accurately, the ruling government seems to be giving the impression that they do not want a check and balance, but a free hand.

For many of us, the hate politics have taken enough of a toll on us and we will not be dragged any further into this hate-filled environment that has been created.

Your job as the government of the day is to unite Malaysia, not divide her. Therefore your acts and conduct must reflect the same. Sadly, the policies and words spoken by the ruling government are far from it.

For all of the above, as stated at the beginning, whether knowingly or not, whether intentionally or not, there is only one remark which I wish to make.

For all of the above, as a peace-loving citizen, and on behalf of like minded citizens, we forgive you Mr Prime Minister, and your cabinet members by extension.

There is a divine quote and it is absolutely spot on: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

PUTHAN PERUMAL is an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya.