I guess many Malaysians are not the least surprised by the news report that disgraced Port Klang assemblyman Zakaria Mat Deros has yet to settle the fines imposed on him for his various misdemeanours.

This man clearly has no shame. It is also quite obvious that Zakaria is still a powerful figure despite all the bad publicity heaped upon him. Surrounded by short-sighted and sycophantic supporters, I am sure he feels like a king in his own domain. This could be the reason why the Klang Municipal Council officers are reluctant to take any legal action against him.

The prime minister has called on the people to speak the truth and to tell him if something is wrong somewhere. The inaction of the Klang Municipal Council is clearly a case of something is wrong somewhere.

The lack of enforcement against Zakaria has definitely made him more recalcitrant towards authority. Besides not paying the fines, Zakaria was also reported to have commented that he was still needed and that he is ready to stand in the next general election.

If the Barisan Nasional is not careful in dealing with the likes of Zakaria, come the next general election the people will show their displeasure at the ballot box as a result of these double standards being practised by the authorities.