Thank you for the messages of support - hundreds of them - which have been pouring in over the past few weeks. I must admit that I am overwhelmed by your response. I was not surprised over the volume but the content, in which many of you have unselfishly discarded your personal sentiments and spoken like ordinary citizens to whom injustice has been done.

I repeat: This column and its writer cannot provide the solutions to all the ills that afflict our local councils. However, it will continue to act as a conduit for your voice, seeking accountability from our public officials.

Contrary to popular belief, this column is not on a witch-hunt nor is it pursuing any personal vendetta against any one individual, group or organisation. It serves to point out shortcomings in our system of administration and governance, and where necessary, seeks to offer constructive criticism and possible solutions to the problems facing society as a whole.

It does not intend to be an ombudsman of sorts or a public complaints bureau. On the other hand, it will continue to be the guiding force in helping you stand up for your rights instead of being bullied by officialdom. It will continue to be a responsible voice of the people, taking into account various factors and the sensitivities of a multi-racial society.

You may ask: Why?

Our politicians and a section of our society are not ready or are unable to argue and debate an issue without throwing in the race or religious card.

These people, when confronted with a problem and with their backs against the wall, have no qualms in dropping a race or religious bombshell to get out of a difficult situation. Playing into their hands by arguing along the same lines is not only degrading but also leads nowhere, only aggravating a very dicey situation.

Perhaps they know my weakness and each time it is done, I must confess that in such circumstances, I retreat, in the hope of continuing the battle another day, in a different arena under different circumstances.

Call me a coward if you want, but I have seen and read enough about communal and religious strife and violence that has killed hundreds of thousands of people the world over in the past decade.

A simple issue of non-compliance with building laws has already been turned racial and religious - no thanks to overzealous politicians who, as I said earlier, resort to such tactics when cornered.

Reading reports and hearing what has happened over the past six weeks can dampen your spirits - politicians paying for muscle and brawn to silence the voice of the people.

Thanks to those charged with the enforcement of law and order, some hotheads, fired up by the rewards - financially and in the political hierarchy - have been reduced to mere spectators.

Fighting for a better society has its rewards but there's a downside - you are character-assassinated and get accused of things you have never done.

Yes, my friends, there's no place for emotions, personal sentiments and preferences in advancing a good cause but when one party abandons Queensbury rules and sets their own rules, things can go haywire and bring about undesired results.

You and I would cry "unfair" but will your voices be heard or will they be drowned by the amplified screams of those with thick wads of crisp RM100 bills?

R. Nadeswaran is deputy editor (special investigations) at theSun. He can be reached at: citizen-nades@thesundaily.com