I have to totally agree with Dr M Bakri Musa ( Open letter o­n M'kini raid

) o­n the high-handed nature in which Umno Youth quickly ran to the police to immediately raid and confiscate malaysiakini's computers to deliver a message to the general public.

No attempt was made to analyse, rebut and disseminate differing points of view. By resorting to force and authoritarian bully tactics to silence any opposition or differing opinions, o­ne is quick to be reminded of medieval times when a feudal lord will silence their opponents by deploying troops to ransack entire villages.

It is also a wonder that the police acted in such swift manner upon receiving a complaint from a mere youth wing of the major component of the ruling political party. Bear in mind, officially, the ruling party is the Barisan Nasional, not Umno.

It is indeed sad that this episode has allowed the world and Malaysians to dissect the minds of the Umno lot. Smug with self-righteousness, many of them have failed to see how the world over is embracing change.

It is indeed sad that with the o­nslaught of globalisation, Malaysia is still lacking in crucial areas - talented human resources, efficiency and an open-minded society. The country is no longer a nation of hungry masses supplying the world with cheap labour. Malaysia must keep up with the global economy, and be recognised as a nation of the 21st century. Bigotry and feudalism must be a thing of the past, and simple human dignity to live life without fear, favour and discrimination is celebrated.