I recently returned to Malaysia for a vacation and met up with a few old friends. We were talking about old times and present times, basically typical 'mamak stall' banter. I couldn't help but ask their opinions about the current hoo-ha between the PMs of old and new. We got talking about corruption and freedom of the press. My friends, being MCA 'kakis', gave me their opinions which did not at all make me feel warm and cosy inside.

I was asking them, 'Don't you want to know exactly how your taxpayers monies are being spent and do you not care if the BN cronies are getting rich from contracts being awarded to them? These contracts are being paid by taxes paid to the government'.

While they did agree with some of my points, they indirectly indicated there was a need for some 'necessary evils' for the sake of peace between races. I do not blame them for the BN machine over the years has instilled such fear in Malaysians through the education system, mainstream media and propaganda.

My friends told me there was no way they would let another coalition party rule the country, even to see if five years made a difference. A British philosopher once said, 'Neither a man nor a crowd nor a nation can be trusted to act humanely or to think sanely under the influence of a great fear'.

I am, however, encouraged that in recent years more questions are now being asked of ministers and BN cronies regarding corruption and suspicious business dealings. I am pleasantly surprised and happy that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is doing what he is doing now.

Bear in mind he could just have retired quietly and enjoyed his life outside of politics. Perhaps he now realises the nasty seeds he has sown over the years and is trying to make things right while he still can.

I urge all Malaysians to keep questioning the current government engine, for as we all know there are not enough checks and balances to keep the ministers on their toes.

From Las Vegas, I wish all Malaysians a Happy 49th Merdeka Day.