While we need to tackle the root cause of it, it is imperative that the citizens also have the right to defend themselves.

On Wanted: Full time minister to fight crime

Huey Gun: Just when we thought the crime situation in Malaysia has improved with more police patrols seen on the street, the last three robbery cum rapes in JB have reminded how vulnerable we have become and how daring the criminals have become. While we need to tackle the root cause of it, it is imperative that the citizens have the right to defend themselves.

While the police have been encouraging the citizens to work together with them, they must also create an awareness of crimes and its prevention.

In addition, I think the citizens need to be equipped with weapons for self-defence. Unlike in US where guns can be purchased easily, I suggest non-lethal weapon here such as electric guns, etc. Its time to fight back.

YSM: A locl newspaper recorded Lee Lam Thye as calling on Johorians to remain calm and express their dissatisfaction with the rising crime rate in their state through the appropriate channels. He is certainly right.

The people of Johor Baru should express their furor and disappointment with crime via the ballot boxes. It is time to boot out the people who do not take public safety seriously. The MB of Johor should resign and someone more capable put in place to ensure that crime is taken seriously and law or order put back in place.

The government is complacent and so must be taught a lesson.

On IPCMC in limbo - people to blame as well

Dhammika: The IPCMC is still not implemented even though it was supposed to be switched on in March. The PM gave its implementation the green light but was held back because of police resentment. Who is then the employer?

The police keep bullying and hurting people even before they are charged. This must stop immediately and the IPCMC control system must be installed. The present government is weak in its leadership. Let us vote out the whole bunch of clowns.

On Shariibuu: My girl not a prostitute

MSY: Isn't it amazing that a man from Mongolia can speak of justice and the role of the police and the rule of law when a government boasting of developed status by 2020 and tallest buildings cannot even provide protection for its citizens and foreigners who come into the country.

Never mind providing security but being allegedly involved in the killings and murder is preposterous. The police cannot continue to say that this is a few bad apples as they usually say.

The government of Malaysia must be responsible and must be held liable. This whole incident is a shame to the Abdullah administration.

On Kamariah's case similar to Joy's

Zach Harris: I want to express great admiration for Lina Joy for having the courage to take her appeal to have 'Islam' removed from her IC all the way to the Federal Court. She has faced many hardships by honouring her government and in trying to get legal recognition of this fact in the eyes of the state.

It has been a long ordeal for Lina Joy. May this outcome not be the end of the story, but may her story inspire more people to realize that Malay need not mean 'Muslim' and to be willing to take a stand publicly for this.

On New global rules to fight health threats

HL Too: The government is not serious about stopping smoking. In fact, if I remember correctly, the Health Minister had mixed feelings about the failure of the 'Tak Nak' anti-smoking campaign. He said that the success of the campaign would mean that tobacco farmers would lose their means of livelihood. Obviously, one cannot have it both ways.

Everytime I'm having a meal in a coffee shop and open air restaurant and smell a whiff of cigarette smoke being blown in my direction, I wish that the government would ban smoking in eating places.

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