Teropong Negara has raised some valid points in justifying the need to give Khairy Jamaluddin a chance.

I particularly like his three categories of detractors and would like to add the following.

Firstly, to some extent, reverse discrimination is to be expected from the purists. However, Khairy should not be wielding his influence via his father-in-law to ensure no contests for his bid for the number two post in Umno Youth.

Khairy is therefore the beneficiary of nepotism and should rightly be criticised by the purists.

Secondly, there is a lot to agree with in the malaise of the Malays and if Khairy is the one to initiate the breakout from petty jealousy and subsidy mentality, good on him.

I have very little sympathy for the third category of Umno Youth members, because they only care about their own interests and will not fight for fear of losing it all.

Yes, Khairy seems to be made of the right stuff but that was what was said of Dr Mahathir Mohamad so many eons ago when he was only a student leader. I think it is good to keep Khairy on his toes and I'm sure he appreciates the brickbats as well as the bouquets. An aspiring leader should always be a good listener after all.

Let us not worry too much about criticisms of him and try to 'protect' him, I'm sure Khairy would be able to take good care of himself. Surely, if he can't take the heat, he wouldn't be in the kitchen.