I was shocked to learn of the passing of the MGG Pillai and am extremely saddened by the grieving news.

I am proud to say that this veteran - and now legendary - journalist's name is listed in my mobile phone list which shows how accessible the man was to everyone, people with disabilities included.

I first called him a few years ago and we became instant 'telephone friends' although we never personally met. He always insisted that we should meet at my favourite shopping mall, but I never could organise between my time and health to make the appointment.

I guess we both now will have to do it in another place where I hope that Mr Pillai is resting peacefully - and yet, watching, I'm sure, intently on what's going on down in Malaysian society which he helped to influence through his writings.

Although I never agreed with everything he wrote, his written pieces were nonetheless intriguing, inspiring and thought provoking in helping make sense of what was happening around us and telling us what we as Malaysians should be concerned about.

Malaysia has, no doubt, lost a great political commentator, one of whom that has my utmost admiration. He dared to go where others feared to tread. Our Internet pages will no longer be the same without him.

Rest in peace, dear man.