I refer to Jamie Douglas' letter Foreigners not exclusive purveyors of crime .

Firstly, I appreciate Jamie's sympathies. Likewise, I too, sympathise with him for the terrorising experiences he and his wife have endured in my country. True, too, that crime in Malaysia is not strictly to be attributed to foreign nationals. Many Malaysians, too, have been committing heinous, and often tragic, crimes in this country.

But the fact remains that the huge number of illegal workers in the country makes it all the more easy for crime to take place so very frequently. Let us face the reality which our politicians are not interested in - every citizen goes to bed not sure if his or her house will be broken into.

If this is hard to believe, look at all our homes nationwide. Grills, padlocks, fenced walls, alarms and CCTVs have become a must for all homes. Why? Look at every woman on the street. See how they clutch their bags as they dart across streets in broad daylight. Why? Ask anyone in Malaysia and they will tell you how they always fear for their children's safety.

Meanwhile, the rich - politicians included - have bodyguards to protect their loved ones and give them peace of mind.

Do the political masters who often proclaim the 'developed status' mantra and need for progress not realise that all this fear for one's safety and security is chipping away at the nation's wealth and productivity?

To blame the police is just being too narrow in our perspective. Let us face the fact. The government has done little to address the plight, quality and efficiency of the police force. The statistics are all there, glaring at the face of every MP.

Our leaders are failing as they continue to ignore issues and concerns that affect every citizen. What about foreign citizens who come here to play a partnering role in our national agenda for progress? If they, too, end up victims on the street or in their homes, then chances are Malaysia will continue to be perceived as an unsafe place to be in.

Then there goes bust our national passion to attract foreign talents and investments. There goes bust the growing tourist dollar. There goes bust the grand plans to attract foreign students. There goes bust the vision to make Malaysia a preferred medical destination.

Let us not lose grip of our basic rights and fundamentals. If the government cannot address and seriously lower the crime rate, all other plans to move forward will eventually be a huge disappointment for everyone.