The Colonel tells off the politicians.

I REFER to the report "Azhar to face rights committee" (NST, May 7).

It was reported that Penang apposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim had said the words "May 13" and "bawa masuk tentera" (bring in the army) as Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was winding up the debate on the motion of thanks to Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas' address.

Politicians should be more responsible when they speak.

It is sad that after more than 40 years, this painful chapter among the races is once again raised, dragging with it the good name of the army.

I would like to remind politicians on both sides of the political divide that no individual or party can "bawa masuk tentera" or "dapat sokongan tentera" (get the support of the army) at his whim and fancy.

The loyalty and obedience of the army will always be to the king and the government, with whom it will cooperate to the fullest in the discharge of its duties.

Our men in blue, too, are better trained to deal with any public-order problem.

It is thus unbecoming and naughty of politicians to use words such as "May 13" and "bawa masuk tentera" in the same breath. It gives the perception that the army will act with impunity in public-order and crime-prevention situations, should it be involved.

This is not true and, given the lessons of hindsight, we have all become wiser.

Having spent a number of years in the National Security Council in the Prime Minister's Department, I am aware the government has, over the years, put into effect checks and measures to prevent any untoward incident that may affect our national security.

The public, too, is well read and more cautious.

People do not give in to emotions, no matter how sensitive or explosive the situation may be.

I would like to believe that the reactions after the "cow head" and "boar head" incidents, together with the attempted arson of churches and mosques recently, have proven that we are now a mature and level-headed society and that we will not act irresponsibly in the face of provocation.

Let's all get on with our lives as one people, one nation and 1Malay-sia, and help make this a great country. The New Straits Times