Inspired by Dawud's belief in his right to express an opinion and for his faith that an enlightened malaysiakini would publish his letter - even though it was extremely and unfairly critical of malaysiakini - I have just sent an almost similar letter to the two major English newspapers expressing my disgust at their poisonous content.

Should it not get published, then Dawud may learn to appreciate the difference between malaysiakini and the mainstream trash. Should it not get published, then Dawud will understand why malaysiakini is here to stay; that a free press is not about whose opinion is right or wrong. It's about expression of opinion. Period.

Should it not get published, then Dawud should not blame the many of us who no longer treat our mainstream press as serious journalism. I do not read them anymore. But you are free to do so, and I promise not to threaten to close them down and deprive you of your 'poison'.

That's called the right to choose. That concept may be alien in your neck of the woods, but in this country we shall continue to endeavour to practise it. That is the basis on which our country was founded and that was how prophet Muhammad (pbuh) brought to me my religion.

By the way, the next time someone in uniform unfairly harasses you as a foreigner, shaking you down by demanding documents etc, write to malaysiakini so that your other countrymen can be forewarned.

I feel sure your letter will be published because you need to be heard. I bet the other newspapers would be too busy praising the emperor's new clothes.

An alternative press like malaysiakini never once claimed to be the righteous alternative worthy of being imposed on others. I wish I can say that about you. Have a good Ramadan filled with sadaqah, sir.