I refer to M Ahmad's letter titled Forget not the First Singapore Infantry Regiment .

Firstly, I have no intention whatsoever of joining the PAP. That is his speculation. Indeed, there have been many opportunities for me to wangle into Singapore's political scene but I distanced myself at every instance. Why? Because I know that I cannot in good conscience lead people from another culture and faith.

Merit is predicated on a value system, a cultural world-view and aspiration. But the Malays and the Chinese have different world-views and values. What is worthy of merit for the Malays may not be so for the Chinese.

Secondly, regarding the Konfrontasi, Sukarno also attacked Malaysia. It was a common threat. However, Malay policemen - during the Nadra incident for example - were reluctant to perform their duty in view of the religious significance it had.

Our Internal Security Department agents do not engage in foreign operations. They fight the war against terrorism! So of course there is no conflict with the 'ummah's' interests. Hence Malay ISD officers. But ask yourself - why are there no Malay intelligence officers operating on foreign soil? Why is it difficult for an African-American Muslims to be the President of the US? Indeed, can there ever be a Chinese PM of Malaysia ?

As for permanent secretaries and so on, why should there be any in the first place? We are a meritocracy and one gets promoted only if one can demonstrate a strong commitment to uphold the interests of the majority of the population. How many Malays want to uphold the interests of Singaporean Chinese? Until then, why should there be Malay permanent secretaries? We have no racial quotas. We are a meritocracy.

Thirdly, the biggest threat to Singapore is not China nor Vietnam. It is Malaysia and Indonesia. Politicians in China do not wave the 'keris' threateningly and say that they want to 'bathe in Chinese blood'. That kind of language comes from Malaysia.What if one day - God forbid - Malaysia is led by someone with a fascist streak? Will Malaysia act irrationally to attack Singapore?

There is no doubt that Singapore is a freer market than Malaysia. Look at your economic policies, monetary policies and so on. For goodness sake, the EU has just rumbled regarding the NEP. And what about the FTA with the Americans ? I can go on and on but I think that the economic literates will get my point. There is no such thing as a 100% free economy. It's a matter of degrees. And surely the Singapore economy is much freer than Malaysia.

Finally, what's so wrong with Mendaki and AMP? They have done a lot for the Malays in Singapore. Why should Singapore Malays reject Mendaki and the AMP if they are worthy, self- help organisations ?

It seems to me that our M Ahmad is a wee bit prejudiced. He is precisely why Singapore has to be cautious with its Malay population.