FEB 29 — Silence will not acquit the Najib administration or Umno or Dr Mahathir Mohamad (patron and protector of Perkasa) if this current wave of intimidation ends in bloodshed or even loss of life.

It is unthinkable that a government which professes to believe in the rule of law and talks about law and order and stability at the drop of a hat can allow and encourage ruffians from Perkasa and Umno Youth to threaten anyone who does not agree with government policies.

In the last count, Lim Guan Eng, Nurul Izzah and several other Opposition politicians have been threatened by thugs. At a gathering protesting the Lynas rare earth plant, two journalists were attacked by the Perkasa/Umno combo.

If this aggression is allowed to continue, it will only be a matter of time before a death occurs and then the government or the police will not be able to play dumb.

If the goon squad actually thinks that Malaysians are going to be intimidated, they are sorely mistaken. The fence sitters or those not politically affiliated are fair-minded people and they will not tolerate the government allowing thugs to run riot in this country.

The PM may think that by keeping silent, he will be able to distance himself if anything bad happens. That is wishful thinking, sir.

You represent Umno and Mahathir represents Perkasa.

* Mansor Rehman reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.