It is a welcome relief, even a respite from the mental anguish, that the Court of Appeal has given motorist Sam Ke Ting leave to appeal her High Court conviction for reckless driving.
Her confidence in the justice system is commendable as many have been criticising the shocking High Court judgment against her earlier Magistrate court acquittals.
And the public that has stood behind her and the lawyers who have offered to defend her pro bono are also commendable, a reflection of their belief in her innocence. The Malaysian spirit of upholding justice is alive and well.
What must concern all Malaysians now from the recent High Court decision is the risk they face in ending up like Sam in the event of a repeat of a similar tragic accident.
Much has been said on social media about teenagers doing dangerous stunts at an ungodly hour when they should be safe and sound in bed. Crying over spilt milk won't restore or save lives but future firm actions may prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
I feel empathy for the parents.
The sadness of the tragedy is more young lives will be lost and innocent motorists may find themselves in Sam's predicament, not to mention the sufferings of parents and loved ones including Sam's, unless the problem is eradicated.
Political capital
Some have tried to make political capital of the tragedy. It is moral conscience at its lowest ebb. There is the accusation of racism but to most sensible Malaysians it is an urgent matter of public safety.
Groups of Malaysians have no more respect for the Highway Code, the rule of law or care for their own and public safety. Scenes of mobs of young motorcyclists bullying road users and turning highways and roads into their racing circuits have become all too common for a long time.
Along the North-South Highway on several occasions, I have seen young boys doing antics more appropriate in a circus without a care in the world. What will result if one falls off his motorbike and ends up under the wheels of a truck or car?
Will the driver face the same fate as the young woman Sam?
Who then will be safe from these marauding hordes who endanger other road users? Don't they value their own lives?
Bad behaviour
This problem is found in many countries.
It is up to adults to rein in bad behaviour and that is why there is the rule of law for the purpose. It becomes frightening however when citizens cannot depend on the laws to protect them or law enforcers to rid the public of a pernicious danger.
For this reason, what is at stake in Sam Ke Ting's case is not only her innocence, as upheld by the earlier magistrate's Court decisions but law and order and justice itself. Time will tell and many believe justice will eventually prevail.
Meanwhile, it is high time the government and police rein in the perilous lawbreakers. Charging motorists for traffic infringements on public roads every day becomes a farce when juvenile delinquents and motorbike hoons are allowed to ride amok on the roads.
It is not because the local police have not acted at all but is the problem bigger than what they can cope with?
There has to be zero tolerance for the menace on public roads before more are killed.
What is so hard in trying firm action to stop a serious and dangerous problem that now threatens the freedom, welfare and safety of ordinary citizens?
Who is accountable?
Eight young lives were lost and would they still be alive if the problem of road menacing had been nipped in the bud? Who does society hold accountable? We kill drug pushers and blame them for causing the deaths of drug addicts.
Who or what do we blame for the deaths of juveniles indulging in their dangerous road pastimes? Juvenile immaturity? Parents? The government? Society? There is no satisfactory answer. The solution requires political will and competence but the government has to show leadership.
The responsibility lies on the desk of the law enforcers across the board. Primarily, the police must be held responsible to eradicate the social and public safety menace of the road abusers.
The Government and society can no longer adopt a 'tidak apa' attitude in helping those who cannot help themselves. The government has to take a hard line against road delinquents, which I cannot overemphasize. Until then no one will be safe on the roads and mothers will continue to weep for their young sons. And innocent motorists will end up in jail. - Mkini
STEVE OH believes in good governance. Unless those who do wrong are punished for their wrongdoings others will be emboldened by their crimes.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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