LETTER | Losing personnel in the line of duty is tough for any uniformed organisation, especially during peacetime. In firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim's case, it was murder and his killers are yet to be brought to the courts.

The police have to ensure that all those criminally responsible have to be identified and swiftly brought to justice.

Adib, in his prime, probably jumped to the call of duty that night, not thinking twice of the risks involved He like all young men in uniform was ever ready, waiting and selflessly wanting to serve as was expected of him.

A young man who had so much ahead of him but had to make the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out his duty.

Why was there no apprehension of the possible risk? It was a volatile situation that required some careful strategic approach. Was there an assessment done before sending in the team?

Were his superiors in the know? Were the police notified for backup and support? One would have expected that contingency as the basic standard operating procedure. It could have saved Adib's life. Maybe.

Nevertheless, fireman Adib paid the ultimate price for reasons that should not have been. Why do we keep getting into such racial polemics? Will we ever become true Malaysians? Can we cross the threshold of racial and religious strife anytime in the near future?

So many questions and “new Malaysia” does not seem to have its finger on the pulse of the present socio-political climate.

Could the outcome have been different if the rule of law pertaining to the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple consent judgement obtained in 2014 was adhered to in the strictest interpretation possible?

Well, an “if “ followed by another “maybe”. The authorities still have not got a grip of the rule of law as they play it safe by succumbing to internal factional strife and their own rules of engagement. Court judgements and enforcement of the law take a back seat as sentiments rule the day.

It's sad that when the system fails to uphold the rule of law which in turn causes those concerned to take the law into their own hands resulting in a heavy price for society.

The whole nation felt the pain from the time Adib breathed his last till he was laid to rest in Kuala Kedah. A sad day for family, friends and the uniform.

Is it not time that we stop paying lip service to the real meaning of implementing the rule of law in its strictest interpretation, without fear or favour? The courts, too, need support to enforce judgements and they need the police to be decisively firm.

Sad that this has to be repeated over and over again. Compromising the rule of law will only bring further calamity such as in the aftermath of the Seafield temple incident.

I hope Adib's sacrifice in the line of duty will not be in vain as we cannot let religious and racial sensitivity be the bane in the application of the rule of law.

Dear Adib, Malaysians as one pray that you rest in peace knowing that you have brought pride and honour to the nation through your bravery, coupled with the colours of your uniform.

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