While the younger generation knows MGG Pillai as a net-savvy dissident, his contemporaries remember his contributions to journalism during the yesteryears.

PC Shivadas, former New Straits Times Press (NSTP) group editor

I knew him for a long time since the 70s as a journalist. Frankly, I think he has ink in his veins. His purpose in life was to be a journalist and I think he met his purpose. He gave a good account as a journalist as he was fearless though dogged by ill-health.

He never flinched from being a journalist. It's an example of how a journalist can work in our country to try and push the limits of the freedom that we have. He would have been very glad that the Internet came into the scene and that he managed to make use of that medium.

Dr S Vijayaratnam, vice-president, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia

It is with deep regret that we note the of the passing of veteran journalist MGG Pillai. Although his views were not entirely in tandem with that of the

government, we fully respect his right to his own opinion.

His articles on international affairs, and subsequent deductions, also

made interesting reading. His inimitable and incisive journalistic style will be missed.

We would like to convey our condolences to his wife and family.

Said Zahari, former Utusan Malaysia editor-in-chief

I think he has contributed a lot to the development of journalism in this country. He was also a brave writer. He was not afraid to tell what he thought was the truth. In other words, he was a journalist who wrote what he thought was right.

Ambrose Khaw, former deputy managing editor of Singapore Herald

MGG was a much respected journalist and we employed him for that reason. He was the pick of the crop because he would be a credit to the team. He was more than just an employee. We shared common values and dreams.

It was not a secured job, he was in a position without having to put his job on the line. He was then a senior sub-editor who was able to use English with precision. It is a rare skill. Furthermore, he was very competent and had a lot of heart. Everything you do in writing for journalism shows in your work.

Steven Gan, malaysiakini editor-in-chief

MGG was one of the few Malaysian journalists who truly cared about his craft. I'll always remember what he said about corruption in his profession:

"In the 70s, the journalists' motto was 'when in doubt, check it out'. In the 80s - 'when in doubt, leave it out'. In the 90s - 'when in doubt, wait for hand-outs'."

He once told me that he would not accept any gift which he could not eat in five days.

Mustafa K Anuar, joint co-ordinator of Charter2000 Aliran

The passing of veteran journalist MGG Pillai is bad tidings not only for the journalistic fraternity but also for the general Malaysian public. He had always been in the forefront of the struggle for press freedom.

His demise should remind us concerned Malaysians that we collectively and individually need to strengthen our resolve to fight for our basic right to express and the right to information.

Syed Sharir Syed Mohamud, Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president

I wish to convey my condolences to the family of MGG Pillai and express my shock over his death. I was his fellow panellist for the National Economic Congress held 10 years ago in Subang Jaya.

His death is a loss to the people and society of Malaysia. His writings were brave as he confronted many issues that affected the people, the ordinary people.

His circle of friends from whom he received his information were people at all levels of society, from the bottom of the social strata right to the top.

He was very special to. and loved, his country very much. MTUC feels his death is a loss to all as he contributed, in his capacity, to opening and elevating the minds of the people.

His arguments were interesting and attracting, though his was not mainstream. He was an institution of his own.

Chandra Muzaffar, academic and prominent activist

I knew him for more than 30 years since his days in the Far Eastern Economic Review. MGG was very much alert to the local political scene. He provided analyses of what was happening which attracted the attention of a lot people. I'm sad and sorry to hear about his demise.

Dr Gong Ngie Hea, personal friend

Last Wednesday, we had dinner together, but he was already breathless at rest, legs swollen and had difficulty speaking without pausing for breath.

He insisted he was OK and we carried on until almost 11 pm, profusely apologising for keeping me late. He was going on about how traditional Chinese medicine was doing for him.

On Tuesday morning, he called me from the hospital telling me he was getting admitted. I called him a day later, and he insisted on not having the bypass or angioplasty which the medical consultants had recommended.

He was adamant that traditional Chinese treatment did him more good than Western medicine. He wanted to be responsible for his own decisions and said he was willing to accept the outcome.

Param Cumaraswamy, former president of Transparency International

The passing away of MGG Pillai, affectionately known as MGG, is a very sad loss to the struggle for independent journalism in Malaysia. His fearless and determined efforts for freedom of expression and a free press in the country are known to all.

Disappointed with the demise of investigative journalism in the country since Operation Lallang he moved on to the Internet to express his investigation and findings.

As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day next week on May 3 it is only fitting that all Malaysians who cherish the importance of press freedom join together to salute this great journalist of our time.