Two things strike me when I read the letters and the opinion columns of malaysiakini . One, a vast majority of the articles are on political issues and two, most of the time the writers choose either to strongly support or fervently reject a point of view.

I find some of these debates to be very interesting and enlightening especially when they are backed by logical, persuasive arguments and facts.

However, while I respect the democratic right of the writers to express their views, I am of the opinion that we need to expand the scope of our writings and reduce its political contents.

It goes without saying that most of the writers are loyal and patriotic citizens deeply concerned about the future of our beloved nation. Generally all of us dream of a better Malaysia. 'Better' could mean different things to different people but that is besides the point.

While there is no doubt that improvement in civil and political rights are two things that could bring about a better nation, it is wrong to assume that these are the only ones that we need to be concerned about.

There are many other areas that we need to improve and make progress but sadly these less glamorous topics do not get the deserved limelight. For example, topics such as economic policy and issues, globalisation, education, internal and public security, inter-ethnic and religious relationships, morality, national unity and integration, etc. are rarely if ever, debated.

If we are sincere in making our country a better place we should talk, write and act less on political issues and focus our energy and intellect more on other matters as well.

We must bear in mind that the future of the nation is too valuable to be left to the ruling government alone. Each and every one of us can and should do his or her best to make Malaysia a better place. Starting right now!