I refer to the Malaysiakini letter Media diverting attention .

I empathise fully with the frustrations and despair of the writer. Well said! Personally, I would not depend on the mainstream newspapers to say much beyond what is sanctioned by the powers-that-be. They are after all, the self-censoring voice of the establishment which also has to protect the rice bowls of thousands of their staff to the damning ignorance of the general population.

My question is, even if burning current issues make it to their front-page news, will the electorate care enough - or be brave enough for that matter - to deliver at the next elections? This country has gone to the dogs since 1999 when the voters failed to deny the ruling party of its two-thirds majority.

The narrow margin was nothing to shout about as the government knew our psyche too well to be able to dwell on it beyond the announcing of the election results. What mattered was the fact they were still the majority in power. Not even the contempt the then PM had for the very people who put him in power could change our voting courage. Are we able to do it this time?

I beseech to all those who are more informed than others, to not keep your talking to just among the informed. Talk to those outside your circle: be patient and explain the issues slowly. Tell them what the implications are for their sons and daughters. Do not dismiss their fears but help them walk through it. Awaken in them a political consciousness and a resolve to change the course of this country.

All said, let us still stand in solidarity with those who are hurting, for therein is our humanity. To me, Nurin's tragedy is a grim reminder of how far we have descended. Let us not forget this moment in time, when two death certificates were issued simultaneously - one to an innocent child, the other to the judicial system of this country.

Malaysians, do not let this pass us by.