Forget for a minute concepts of universal principles and fundamental principles of human rights which have been raised in response to the prime minister's view that the panel who prepared the recent Suhakam report were "influenced by Western thinking".

Universal and fundamental principles regarding basic human rights, clearly "western inventions and thinking", have no place in Malaysia. Instead, Suhakam should have applied Asian/Malaysian values and ways of thinking.

As the allegations of police behavior detailed in the Suhakam report have not been refuted - rather, justified - it would seem reasonable to assume that they did happen. However, as that the PM has defended the actions of the police on the basis that Suhakam erroneously applied Western thinking, we can now presumably proceed on the basis that the PM has personally set some new benchmarks for Asian/Malaysian thinking and these values to legitimise and advocate the following:

- Deprive someone of his or her freedom on the basis of what is printed on his or her T-shirt, especially if it is a picture of a jailed political opponent of the current government;

- Require all detainees (male and female) from peaceful gatherings/demonstrations, whilst in custody, to strip completely and do 10 squats. This is of course how enquiries are best made, with invaluable evidence being gathered.

- Spray tear gas on individuals already under detention;

- Beat detainees whilst in custody; and

- Hold detainees for as long as the police see fit, in their absolute discretion.

I just wonder where my parents went wrong in not instilling in me these values, instead of the old-fashioned ones like respect your elders and parents, politeness, punctuality, respect for other people's rights and property, honesty, etc.