I think loose and irresponsible talk about foreign workers being 'fifth columns' are not helpful in preserving trust between Malaysia and our neighbours. Also, it may generate uncontrollable xenophobia and widespread paranoia among Malaysians.

Let us not forget that there are also many Malaysians working in Singapore as blue-collar workers. What if the same suspicion is cast indiscriminately on our own citizens earning a living across the crossway?

There are also many Malaysians working and studying in Singapore, Canada, the US, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. What if they are indiscriminately labelled as as 'fifth columnists' should relations between Malaysia and these countries be strained?

Starting from this 'fifth column' thing, our collective imagination may run wild. Soon, this or that official in the government may be accused of being an 'agent in place' or an 'agent of influence' or a 'sleeper' from this or that neighbouring country.

Then, the counter-allegations will come followed and by even more counter-counter-allegations. The whole country may be paralysed by a collective delusion of persecution, seeing 'enemy agents' under every blanket and in all washrooms - like in the US during the McCarthy witch-hunt of the 1950s.

Stop spreading paranoia. Keep it within Singapore.