I am writing in response to the article 'Mahathir defends police, says Italians more 'brutal'' (Aug 22). I don't think it is appropriate for the prime minister to back our police force by comparing it with the violence engaged by other countries' police force.

In fact, in saying so, he is not even denying that our police have behaved brutally towards the citizens, especially against the so-called anti-government protesters as well as the ISA detainees. Furthermore, the act of comparing the brutality of our police force with others is most unworthy, for he did not portray the credibility of our police force.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has previously compared our country with other countries to excuse a few controversial actions, to make them look okay despite the people's protest against them. I hope such comparisons will stop. The prime minister should really come up with a better justification when he is making a stand on an issue.