Readers welcome the Sukma decision, but lambasted the prosecutors for arguing that his guilty plea was in exchange for a reduced sentence.

On Sukma freed of sodomy charge

Mohd Fuad: It is bewildering that the judge chose to remain silent to such a damaging and uncalled for remark by the DPP. If he was so confident that Sukma had pleaded guilty in exchange for a "reduced sentence", why the hell then, withdraw the charge? Wouldn't it pose a serious enough challenge (if you are worth your salt that is) for you to "put Sukma" in his rightful place?

As a layman, I say that the statement is a last-minute, last-ditch attempt to rescue whatever little credibility that is left of the AG's Chambers. Now bring on Dr Munawar Anees!

Sadirah K: Finally, Sukma has secured his freedom, but at what price? This entire episode is an example of what an autocrat can do and the extremes he is ready to go. It all started with Saudara Anwar Ibrahim standing up to the autocrat. That he was questioned and that Anwar refused to resign sent shock waves through the minds of the autocrat.

The rest is history and the Malaysian judiciary suffered serious setbacks. Today's decision is part of that restitution. Yet, the autocrat continues to sing his song. People have short memories but the nation went through a serious crisis during the 1998/99 period. I hope very much that Sukma would sue the government and the AG's Chambers for the pain and suffering caused to him.

On NEP equity methodology: Let's have it now

Suguna: Lim's resignation opened a big can of worms. He is a distinguished researcher and his methods must be reliable but the issue he highlighted on the bumiputera corporate equity ownership must be a very sensitive issue to Umno. It seems if they keep the figure low it would mean their existence is justified that there is still a need for a Malay-based political group and that there is a relevance for the New Economic Policy (NEP).

The question is why is there such a vast difference between the Asli study and the government's. It is known among researchers that government statistics are unreliable as their tools for measurements vary from year to year thus making it impossible to make accurate comparisons between various years.

These measurements are changed to suit the political situation. This reflects badly on the government as the public and even the government does not get an accurate picture of the situation this can cause havoc in planning for the budget and preparing for the future.

Lies do not help anyone. Facing the truth is painful but it should be done.

Never Ending Pain: Referring to the recent controversial issue of bumi equity, I would like to applaud malaysiakini and its readers' consistency in pressing for the revelation of the calculation methodology from the government.

Umno and its supporters will definitely use all sorts of tactics and threats to stop the continuation this pressure from non-Malays (and those Malays with dignity). Whatever it is, this must not be stopped, and we must continue to put pressure until justice is done to all right-minded, peace loving Malaysian.

Ah Chong: It is not going to make a difference whether or not this BN government reveals the method of calculating bumiputera equity. As far as they are concern, it is a necessary tool in perpetuating their existence and a way to move the gravy train along the crony express. Without it, what will Umno now fight for?

What would all the businessmen who have been idle waiting in front of Putrajaya for the contracts do now that the 30% target is reached and the NEP is no more? No, the method of calculation will never be revealed and it will never hold water. As far as the BN government is concerned, it is a government divided along racial lines with each race-based party trying to get as much as they can from the pie. The NEP and its form will continue.

The truth is, there are still many living under the poverty line. Sarawak 7.5%, Sabah 23%, Kelantan 10.6%, Pahang 4% (many of whom we now know are police officers). If the 30% mark for bumiputera equity has been achieved, then let us recognise it, celebrate and move on together as one Malaysia seeking justice and equity for all Malaysians.

We must ensure that all Malaysians living under the poverty line, irregardless of race, can have a chance of moving up and improving themselves and the next generation. We should ensure our workforce return to its high productivity rate of the 70s and 80s. Ali Baba businessmen and middlemen seeking millions of ringgit for their government contacts should be discouraged and stopped.

On Many illegal buildings, like Zakaria's, not demolished

Peter: It is rather silly to give the excuse that Zakaria's mansion could not be demolished just because there are 5,000 illegal buildings in Selangor. In making this statement, Dr Mohd Khir Toyo did not realise that it reflects badly of his administration and mentality.

If 5,000 illegal buildings could just mushroom out of thin air without the notice of the authority, the officers on the job must either be sleeping or on the take.

Then the good dentist went on to say that some of the illegal buildings were factories providing employment. Hence it should not be torn down. If this reason is valid, by the same extension, police could say that they are not arresting those '4D' runners because it provides employment to them. Or the Custom could close one eye to those cigarettes smugglers because it is a means of employment for many.

Mohd Khir Toyo must understand that Zakaria Deros is no ordinary man. He had been the councillors for 20 years. To claim that he was not aware that his building plan was not approved is far fetched. Only an idiot can believe him.

This is not his first offence. He built his restaurant on government reserve land. Could he claim that he did not know about it? And Dr Khir, what are you waiting for? Have you sent in bulldozers to the demolish the buildings, just as you would, without hesitation, had it belong to Awang, Ah Kow or Ramasamy?

Zakaria also knowingly refused to pay up his assessment. Is this what our lawmakers are made of? Break the laws, which they make, as and when they like with impunity.