The High Court judgement in the corruption trial of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has generated reactions ranging from glee, support, tacit agreement and reluctant acknowledgement to dissapointment, dismay, disgust and violence from different segments of the population.

This is all well and good, but the prime concern of all Malaysians is that a civilised attitude should prevail.  Many would point fingers at the judge, forgetting that he is bound to act within the tenets of the law.  There is a legal code to adhere to, and although there is some leeway, a proven charge warrants a prescribed penalty.

Then again, avenues of appeal are far from exhausted.  The system of law in this nation has been devised by Parliament.  This same system gave rise to a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the injuries sustained by Anwar whilst in police custody.

To the alarm of the citizens of Kuala Lumpur, reformasi supporters have once again taken to the streets.  They have damaged public property, risked bodily harm to passers-by, disrupted traffic and caused pandemonium.  It is distressing that university students, many of whom are on government scholarships, have chosen to join the mob.  If these people had hoped to endear public opinion to their cause, they have failed miserably.  A hundred, a thousand or even ten thousand are not representative of the twenty million peace-loving people of Malaysia.

Businesses have been affected by the riots, and so too will the tourists trade and investment climate.  Can one not go shopping or to a favourite restaurant or to the cinema without fear for life and limb?

Fortunately, it appears that the number of protesters have dwindled compared with last year, hopefully due to the realisation of the foolishness and futility of their actions.  It is commendable that several "reformists" have formed a political party.  But can this party disavow the actions of those who have wrecked havoc in the aftermath of the trial's verdict?

If these miscreants are derivatives of this association, they will do little to establish its credibility as a genuine political movement with an agenda and programme.  Dissent is one thing, but vengeance is quite another, and creates an impression of being rather hollow.  Even during the Asian economic crisis, Malaysia did not suffer as much as others, not because of luck, but prudent government policies and foresight.  Recent optimism described by Far Eastern Economic Review, and the positive views expressed by the US-ASEAN Business Council, both about Malaysia, bear testimony to this.

This is certainly not the time to frolic with groups clowning around with each other without definite agendas other than vindictiveness.  Can anyone be expected to sympathise with elements that smash traffic lights, wreck cars and ignite fires on thoroughfares?

Malaysians should ponder these points and decide for themselves.  Those whining about police brutality do not realise that it was their idea of prancing about provocatively on the streets that required police presence in the first place.  Those who grumble about their constitutional right of assembly fail to point out that it is permissible if held in an orderly manner, in an appropriate place and with police consent.

They are of course, bound to say that police consent will not be granted, but have they tried applying in the proper manner?  The police have the task of preserving law and order, and must be allowed to do their job.  The fact remains that after all the vilification that the Government has endured, the system of democratic elections is still maintained.   Those who seek support for their cause and redress for their grievances are advised to do so through the ballot box.