Temper justice with mercy during MCO TK Chua

LETTER | I think most would agree that to be successful in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, we must comply with the movement control order dutifully.

The authorities, too, must enforce the order strictly to ensure maximum compliance and minimum violations.

However, the present circumstances are abnormal and could be extremely stressful for some. I, therefore, urge the authorities, when enforcing the law, to temper justice with mercy.

To me, the primary aim of enforcing the MCO is to educate, to warn and to ensure compliance. It is not to humiliate, to impose heavy bails, to put violators in lockups and to subject them to long and tedious court hearings.

Inevitably, there will be among us those who are ignorant, arrogant or stressed. I would prefer the authorities to deal with each differently.

I would prefer that the authorities warn and fine the violators on the spot rather than arresting and putting them in lockups. Only violators who remain stubborn and uncouth are to be arrested.

This is a very difficult time for all of us. 

I would prefer the authorities to take care of the MCO compliance rather than be burdened with all the lockup proceedings, bailing and court hearings.   - Mkini