I agree with Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan that Malaysia is stressed. However, I disagree with his reasons for it.

The minister must understand that allegations per se do not stress up people. It is how these allegations are handled. Similarly, government institutions supporting the government of the day do not per se provide credibility. It is how these institutions are able to uphold the truth and dispel unfounded allegations hurled against the government.

Also, it is does matter whether the allegations are made by the opposition or within the government, by foreigners or from within domestic sources and by the young or the old. The most important thing is whether these allegations are credible and truthful.

If opposition politicians make wild allegations one time too many, they will soon lose their credibility. If foreign powers interfere by resorting to false accusations, they will soon lose our respect and cooperation. If our citizens conspire with foreigners to indulge in falsehood and sabotage, they will soon be found out to face the consequences.

What then is the best way to handle allegations? To me it is evidence and truth. Evidence and truth will put to shame all those who accuse others unjustly. Evidence and truth will condemn those who collude with foreigners to plot against our nation. Government institutions must exist to protect and defend the country. What is more compelling than for these institutions to defend our nation if not by upholding truth based on evidence and intelligence gathered?

Yes, Malaysia is stressed for a long time now. It has diverted the attention of our leaders and sapped their energy from governing to fighting allegations endlessly.

So here is my suggestion: it is about time we confront together the allegations head-on. It is useless to handle allegations with counter allegations or by resorting to the Official Secrets Act or shooting the messengers.

Just unearth the truth with all supporting evidence; I am sure the stress of this country will go away immediately. I am sure, too, those who made wild and baseless accusations will have nowhere to hide their faces. As a citizen, I want to see Sarawak Report, Wall Street Journal (WSJ), New York Times (NYT) and most of all, the US Justice Department (DOJ), put to shame. So, please don’t disappoint us.