Courts have become a tool for politicians

The Datuk T trial an abuse of the courts

Former Malacca Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul RahimThambyChik, businessman DatukShazrylEskay Abdullah and former Perkasa treasurer-general Datuk Shuib Lazim, all of whom make up the “Datuk T” trio, were fined yesterday after they pleaded guilty for the screening of the sex video at Carcosa Seri Negara Hotel here on March 21.

Despite pleading guilty why was the need for them to issue statements regarding the identity of the actor and the authenticity of the video? Why the need for them to refer to foreign experts when that should be the work of the police? Why the need to screen the video in court even after the accused have admitted their guilt?In fact Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee described that the court’s decision in allowing the video to be shown as “shocking” and “extraordinary.” We understand that huge screens were set up even before the start of the case in anticipation of what is to happen as thought it was all orchestrated. Why did the court allow itself to be abused by the accused?

The net big surprise came when most of the mainstream media reported the case as though the identity of the actor in the video was the main contention.Beritaharian wrote, “Video sek stulen”, Utusan Malaysia “Video tulen, pelakun seksserupa Anwar” and the NST “Video not doctored”.The Star published"It is Anwar" in its front page. These reports are misleading, as the case was not about Anwar but about the trio screening and distribution of pornography.

It is extremely disappointing that our national dailies can stoop so low to submit to their political masters.What has happened to the ethics of journalism that they are supposed to uphold?The mainstream media should not make the same mistake of their political masters – underestimating the intelligence people, maturity and wisdom of the people. The people are not stupid and should not be treated so anymore.

Many peace-loving Malaysians do not subscribe to street demonstrations and rallies to vent their anger and frustrations against the government but it appears that with each passing day that unfortunately appears to be the only choice left for them