It feels like only recently that I submitted my first column to malaysiakini . It is now celebrating its fifth anniversary. Congratulations to editor-in-chief Steven Gan and his pioneering team on this significant milestone!

I wish you continued success, and may you not waver in your commitment to excellence in serving the public. You are an exemplary model for others to emulate.

Malaysiakini is blazing a daring new trail for greater freedom of expression in Malaysia. Steven and his brave colleagues will be the first to admit that theirs has not been an easy journey. It has never been easy to be daring; in Malaysia it can be downright dangerous.