Race and religious issues have become the focal point in recent months, with observers blaming politicians for the situation.

Some have fingered Umno as the chief culprit, accusing it of being desperate to hold on to its Malay/Muslim support to ensure that its dominion continues.

In view of this, a coalition of Indian non-government organisations has accused the police of practising double standard when it comes to tackling such issues.

Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (Mipas) secretary-general S Barathidasan ( left ) took this position when responding to the warning issued by Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar, who did not rule out invoking the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 against online perpetrators.

"But why, until today, has no action been taken against the Umno/BN leaders and pro-government NGOs for provoking and stirring racial and religious tension?" Barathidasan asked.

He said Mipas, WargaAman and numerous other NGOS have filed a slew of police reports against Perkasa leaders Ibrahim Ali and Zulkifli Noordin as well as academician Riduan Tee Abdullah.

A report was also filed against Wanita Umno chief Sharizat Abdul Jalil over her speech that raised the spectre of the May 13, 1969 racial riots, the NGO leader added.

More recently, Barathidasan noted, reports were also lodged against the NGOs that slaughtered chickens in public and smeared the blood on the images of Chinese DAP leaders.

Police told: 'No further action'

"For example in Zulkifli's case, we received a letter from the police saying that 'kes ini dirujuk kepada timbalan pendakwaraya pada 23/03/2012 dan arahan diterima untuk tiada tindakan lanjut diperlukan. Tiada cukup keterangan untuk tindakan pendakwaan' (The case was referred to the deputy public prosecutor and we received instructions for no further action. There is insufficient testimonies to proffer a charge)," he added.

Zulkifli had courted flak when a video emerged showing him belittling the Hindu faith, and much to the disappointment of various quarters, including MIC, he was named as the BN candidate for the Shah Alam parliamentary seat in the last general election.

Barathidasan said the police must shoulder the blame for the recurrence of incidents that threaten peace.

"Since the police failed to take action against the Umno/BN leaders and pro-government NGOs, this leads others to follow in their footsteps. It seems that they believe the police won't take action against them too. So, now, who should be blamed?" he asked.

In reminding the police to discharge their duties without fear or favour, Barathidasan said, nobody is should be placed above the law.

"Mipas demands that the police stop protecting and encouraging racist and criminal pro-government NGOs," he added.