Manjit Bhatia, in his article , states: "Tan then asks me for whom I would vote 'if' I were a Malaysian. I find this bemusing, to say the least, because I am not a Malaysian (I shall never become one in a million years even if Prime Minister Abdullah pays me). When one is not a Malaysian citizen, one therefore cannot vote in any Malaysian election. So it's hardly a question that bears any kind of relevance for me."

The above quotation says it all. He is not a Malaysian; he would not be a Malaysian even if the PM paid him.

I do not suggest that Bhatia's views be curbed. He has a right to speak his mind though I must say that Malaysia should not have to worry about negative comments from those outside Malaysia who are not citizens.

Bhatia could earn his comments more credibility if he were to show he had either major economic, cultural or family ties to Malaysia and that the current affairs of Malaysia impact on those interests in a major way that should interest all Malaysians.

There is much dissatisfaction in Malaysia with current events. But it is Malaysians within Malaysia who will (and should) make the corrections. It is not for someone who refuses to be a Malaysian or not having deep ties and financial or cultural interests in Malaysia to take potshots from a base in another country.

There are many fine points about Malaysia that are encouraging and good. No place is perfect. Bhatia should know that. I dare say I could harp on about Australia as much as he harps about Malaysia as an 'orang asing', but my remarks would not be relevant to all Australians.