I refer to the letter by Eric Paulsen entitled ISA debate: Why ask for police permit, DAP?

Firstly, I would like to ask where was Paulsen when freedom of expression and assembly came under threat during the last general election?

We should remember that during this period - and indeed for many years - political parties and candidates were subject to ridiculous guidelines by the police for the holding of ceramahs and gatherings to legitimately campaign for votes.

But all the candidates and parties nevertheless applied for the required permits as law-abiding citizens and organisations. Why didn't Paulsen take these people to task then?

He has instead chosen to attack DAP and Awam for applying for police permits for public events. This show serious disrespect to the freedom of choice that is available for these parties. It doesn't mean that if one applies for a police permit, they are less committed to the principles of human rights.

With regards to the ISA debate, one should consider the fear of the public in attending such an event in the absence of a police permit and the opportunity they have to participate in it - without any fear - if a permit has been applied for and granted.

The issue here is the police and the law and not those applying for a police permit. Paulsen is barking up the wrong tree. He should put his time and effort into the struggle to seek law reform and establish better freedom of expression and assembly in Malaysia.

Our political climate is limited and opposition parties are the only ones we can hope to seek change. I wouldn't doubt the stand of an opposition party just because it decided to apply for a police permit for a public assembly that will benefit the people.

It is the principles of the party and the steps it takes towards having change in Malaysia that counts. This doesn't mean they should not apply for a police permit when so needed as to protest the ruling. Protest is not the only method to encourage public awareness. A properly organised debate is another.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the DAP, Lim Kit Siang and Nazri Abdul Aziz for having the debate on the ISA and thereby allowing many to deliberate the issue freely and with an open mind.

As for Paulsen, I must say that organsing a demo or getting caught in it doesn't mean that you have the moral high ground to sit and pick on others.