JAN 4 — Like most if not all law-abiding citizens, I am terribly disappointed by the behaviour of Umno leaders in Selangor who are reported to have called on their members to demonstrate outside churches or at least one of them in Klang on Sunday and to demand an apology from a particular priest over the Allah issue.

Umno leaders should remember that they have been the main law givers of this nation since Independence and have been the main pillar of the national Government until now.

Being in that esteemed position and boastful of being the only political party that can guarantee the wellbeing of this nation for peace and harmony for all people regardless of race and religion, they are expected to lead by example in the matter of respect for the rule of law.

Umno leaders right down from the president of the party should know that while the issue in question is sensitive to some people, it is not an issue that is going to wreck this nation. The matter is still in court pending an appeal to the highest court in the land. Umno leaders should know therefore that the matter is sub-judice and no one should attempt to put pressure on the court.

If they think that Rev Father Andrew has violated the decision of the Court of Appeal, they should know that there is a legal remedy for them and that is to take the complaint to court for the priest to be cited for contempt of court or to take such other remedy as is available under the law.

If the said Umno leaders fail or refuse to act in accordance with the rule of law, then they must know that they themselves are in contempt of the Federal Court where the appeal (or the application for leave to appeal) is pending.

Like all good citizens of this beautiful nation, I expect Umno leaders at all levels to lead by example.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.