This is an open letter to Dawud, author of Malaysiakini 'a poison' to country .

I fully sympathise with you for having to read the rubbish called malaysiakini . That you could do this "for several months" confirms your "intellectual capacity" and your great sense of tolerance.

I've seen am exciting and intellectually stimulating debate on malaysiakini now that you have made it your endeavour to remove "the poison" of malaysiakini by "the intellectual capacity you ( malaysiakini ) seem to lack."

It may have escaped your "intellectual capacity" that the Malaysian authorities have in fact been harassing malaysiakini and your dream that the government shuts down malaysiakini "sooner rather than later" may one day come true.

I am already amazed at your "intellectual capacity". You have accused malaysiakini of publishing conjecture under the false pretence of being an 'alternative' news medium" and of lying and distorting reality "to attract a nostalgic user base" without providing any examples.

I must say though that your "intellectual capacity" seems rather limited when you described an open and public discussion, dialogue, and debate over matters concerning Islam as a "privilege". In a globalised world, the intellectual capacity to engage in and to consider diverse views in public discourse is so crucial.

But your intellectual finesse came to the fore again when you insisted that such a "privilege" should be taken away from malaysiakini because it has shown "gross ignorance about the faith" without giving any examples again.

Your "intellectual capacity" was at its sharpest when you pointed out that malaysiakini continues "to blatantly misrepresent, malign and connive to put at risk the socio-economic cohesion of the country you ( malaysiakini ) claims to represent".

Yes, Malaysians should rid themselves of the "rubbish" malaysiakini has been spreading. The recent opinions of MIC president Samy Vellu, the strong response of the MCA and the Gerakan to Umno Youth's insistence that the NEP should be continued opinions very related to the so-called "socio-economic cohesion of the country" which were highlighted by malaysiakini are pure "rubbish" indeed.

You showed such great intellectual prowess by insisting that human rights are developed to suit the needs of the country and not the individual. It's a pity though that your "intellectual capacity" did not include the example of the former PM who used and abused every institution and law to remain in power.

You have instead used Anwar Ibrahim's case as an example, and "where his 'innocence' may have been sacrificed for his aspirations". You are right, we must not listen to malaysiakini . On matters concerning human rights, surely your "intellectual capacity" would and should include the views of the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) on the Anwar trials. You can find them in the archives of malaysiakini .

You also said that "...Malaysia's own human rights are gradually being brought into sync with Islam" But ask the Muslims who have converted to Christianity or Ayah Pin and his followers or the Catholics involved in the building of the church in Shah Alam, and you might discover your "intellectual incapacity".

As for "the fortunate circumstances Malaysia finds itself in", are you referring to the dengue outbreak, the rise in fuel and food prices, the crisis in higher education, racial polarisation at the workplace and schools, crisis in the environment, corruption, crime, increased marginalisation of minority groups, etc?

You have been a permanent resident in Malaysia for only over three years, and your "intellectual capacity" has so outstretched itself that you deem yourself qualified and worthy to speak on behalf of all Malaysians. Such was the inference when you said that malaysiakini "may get a pat on the back from foreigners who have no interest in Malaysia or its future, but in your own country you remain a poison".

Contrary to your "intellectual capacity", there are Malaysians who have given up reading the newspapers and listening to the news on TV. They are subscribers to malaysiakini and from time to time they give a pat on the back for their prime source of alternative news

A major and crucial contribution of malaysiakini to Bolehland is that it has, in essence, increased tremendously and courageously the capacity for diverse views on important issues and especially those that never see the light of day in the local press.

That it has carried your "poisonous" letter shows that it has space enough even for you to exert your "intellectual capacity". May you enjoy your stay in Malaysia and don't forget to subscribe to malaysiakini .