I was disturbed to read yesterday's headline in one of the Malay mainstream media (Berita Minggu). Allegedly our PM was quoted as saying that "election is not the time to change the government". Why would he say that? Is he introducing into the general election so-called Umno 'democracy' where the president is not to be challenged?

I consider what he said as a 'threat' (hasutan) to Malaysians. It is a similar kind of threat that the coalition is accusing the opposition of doing with the "promise of heaven / threat of hell" issue.

Isn't it amazing that government has been encouraging Malaysians to explore new territory, to venture into new area of development or business opportunity and not to be afraid of experiment? But when it comes to election time, the tone has changed. "Be afraid of experiment," they say. "Don't try something you might regret later," they warn.

Let me give you an analogy, Mr PM. If your tailor is getting lousy at his work and charging you more for his atrocious taste in colour and fashion, would you continue with his service? Or would you dare to experiment with a new tailor?