Said Zahari, the veteran Malay-language journalist who spent 17 years in detention without trial in Singapore, have always prefer to keep his political views private. However, in an exclusive interview with malaysiakini last week, the icon of independent journalism has opted to speak his mind.

Indeed, he has nothing to lose after having spent almost the best part of his youth in detention. Reunited with his wife, children and a gaggle of grandchildren, Said has his house in Subang Jaya USJ - where he now lives - liberally decorated with verses from the Holy Quran.

At 75, he said he fears no one, except God.