LAWS SHOULD NOT BE POLITICISED - CROWN PRINCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- The Crown Prince of northern state of
Perak Raja Nazrin Shah said laws should be upheld as a means for arbitration and
must not be politicised.

"It will be dangerous for the country if the laws and enforcement of the
laws are compromised as people would take the laws into their own hands based on
emotions, sentiments and passion.

"Or when a law is only accepted and respected if it gives advantage to
oneself or one's group, but it's rejected if the decision favours the opposing
side," he said in his speech at the third session of Universiti Malaya's (UM)
2009 convocation ceremony, here, Tuesday.

Raja Nazrin Shah said laws that were influenced by political considerations
if not firmly and effectively controlled, would destroy the existing system of
nationhood and taken over by the "law of the jungle" system that would allow the
weak to be the prey of the mighty.

"Sometimes the sovereignty of the law is defined based on emotions to suit
the needs of a certain group, and is therefore not a fair, truthful, accurate
and brave definition guided by legal principles.

"Hence, there emerge practices that are in contradiction with the spirit of
fair governance, resulting in abuse of power, misappropriation, bribery and
oppression.

"The people, on the other hand, will not only disrespect the law but will
also provocatively challenge it to create disturbance and chaos so that the
legitimate government cannot function effectively.

"As citizens, they need to be wary of such incidents that are purposely
created with a hidden agenda.

"A wise citizen needs to weigh the arising issues and political tactics used
in terms of consistency in voicing out the issues and the struggle, so that the
country remains peaceful and stable as chaos will adversely affect the country's
productivity and in the end, the people will suffer."

He said the criteria for formulating, abolishing or amending a law must be
based on national interest and security, as well as the people's interest.

Raja Nazrin, who is UM pro-chancellor, also reminded that UM's task as a
premier higher learning institution was just not to churn out degrees, but also
to check any undesirable academic practices which could tarnish the country's
oldest university's good name.

"The guilty should not be protected. There should be no compromise in
upholding the integrity, reputation and good name of the university. If there is
compromise, then the university has sacrificed its quality of education.

"If it does happen, then the reputation of UM's graduands will be affected
and bring shame to the thousands who have graduated from the university.

"UM will have to pay a heavy price as its standing will drop.

"Those involved in activities which tarnish the university's reputation and
integrity should be told to desist, while the university must immediately take
stern action," Raja Nazrin said.
-- BERNAMA