There have been many discussions on and criticism of the police, not only in malaysiakini , but also in the streets. Most Malaysians are very concerned about the role played by the police in our society. There are some unfair criticisms, but there are even more justified views that the government and the police must acknowledge with good faith.

May's letter [#1] Police bias betrays public trust[/#] (April 21) is, in my opinion, a fair reflection of public opinion. Every country and government needs the police as a domestic security enforcer. But the police must be professional and non-partisan enough to distinguish genuine security threat and normal party politics in a democratic system.

The police mentality, especially that of the Special Branch, must be brought out from the Cold War when the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) posed a serious threat to the democratic system as such. That epoch was over 10 years ago. The people on the whole supported the effort of the police to deal with the armed communists.

But for the police and the Special Branch to treat the reformasi movement and Parti Keadilan Nasional as a 'security threat' is stretching it too far. Activities organised by Keadilan and even the reformasi movement are part and parcel of normal political activities in a modern democracy, although they threaten the ruling parties and their leaders. Interests of the ruling parties and their leaders are partisan, not national. 'Security' or otherwise of ruling parties and their leaders are not national security. The police and Special Branch must not confuse the entities.

Political parties and movements exist not only for elections, but also for articulations of the people's interests and grievances in between elections. Thus, it is not wrong for opposition parties to engage in political activities in between general elections.

Peaceful demonstrations are part and parcel of human rights that should be respected by the police and Special Branch. They should not interfere or disrupt them.

Although the police and Special Branch are not to be elected, they must nevertheless be reasonable and be seen to be reasonable. Otherwise, they will certainly lose the respect of the people and their own credibility.

Power, however absolute, must be exercised with wisdom and restraint, or it will become tyranny.

When the popular sentiment or opinion turns from fear to hatred or contempt, it is the road of no return. The country or society will either degenerate into disorder, or turn into a nation filled with hatred. The police and Special Branch must bear the responsibility for these eventualities. Don't blame others. Look into ourselves.