1. We believe in the rule of law. We assume that laws are made to protect us. But now we see laws being used to threaten us.

2. The Government authority simply states that failure to obey its instruction can result in being imprisoned and fined. No mention is made of court hearings.

3. The demand made is not easy to comply. It requires massive research of all transaction in the last 40 years. Most people do not retain records of their activities over that long period of time. But failure to report any action may be construed as deliberate withholding of information. It may result in costly and prolonged legal action. It may result in jailing. That is the threat.

4. At that stage the law becomes oppressive. I don’t think the legislators are bent on making life miserable for the citizens.

5. But Government may.

6. There may be a case for information on certain dubious acts to be investigated. For that the authority needs to identify the act. The person needs to make clarification.

7. But what we are seeing is a general demand with no identification of the act being criminal.