I refer to Malaysiakini's report, Zam: You people are nonsense!

Previously, the government information czar had belittled bloggers by calling them bad karaoke singers, goblok (Indonesia slang for stupid) and advised the local media "not to tell the truth" to the prime minister.

By calling Malaysiakini nonsense, it makes one wonder if the information minister is feeling the heat given that all the scandals and abuse of power by the ruling elite, which have been carefully buried by the mainstream media, are being highlighted by the alternative media and bloggers.

The truth, as Oscar Wilde correctly says, is neither pure nor simple. What is reported in the local press does not reflect what is happening on the ground. When the press is stifled, we cannot expect our journalists to be free and fair in reporting all the ills of society, such as the endemic corruption practiced by the high and mighty.

The truth can never be erased, neither can lies. As the saying goes, the truth will last longer than falsehoods in any situation. The information minister seems to be living in the days gone by, where people believe hook, line and sinker what the government tells them. Hello, we are living in the 21st century where information is just a click away.

Bootlicking and the demonisation of opposition parties are the main fare at every Umno general meeting. This year's event is no different, but only on an even grander scale as the next general election is around the corner. Every speaker seems to be trying to apple-polish their leaders in order to stand out as candidates in the next poll. Nobody seems to be brave enough to discuss the real issues, such as the Lingam tape, price hikes and social problems.

As for Zam, let him be. People don't give two hoots about what he says anymore. He is only making noise in order to be re-nominated as a candidate in the next general elections.