Some politicians have made me feel that I am a ‘pendatang’ and so it seems that I do not have rights. ‘Keris’-waving people make this situation more so and this must not be tolerated.

People who leave for overseas are not patriotic. The situation here in Malaysia is not ideal yet compared to many Third World countries, we are marginally better off and this is what is worth working and fighting for.

I admire my grandfather who stood up to the Japanese during their occupation in the 1940s by providing funding, weapons, food and aid to the resistence movement to the extent of being labeled and hunted as a terrorist by the Japanese. It ended up in his family house being bombed.

However, the current times do not require us to sacrifice as much as the earlier generations since we are not at war or being invaded.

A person with an inferiority complex after doing badly in his Form Six and after quitting a local college half way had to leave Malaysia and is now working overseas. He lambasted me saying that I had better stay in Antarctica where there are no complaints, no corruption and thus no need to protest.

This kind of uncivilised remark should be met with a garland of slippers placed at his picture or portrait. The ‘brain drain’ that afflicts the country is certainly sad. However, we should not run away when things do not go well although the grass may be greener on the other side.

The least we could do is be an armchair critic, voicing out on issues although some matters may need peaceful demonstrations to enforce a reminder to our politicians that some issues must not be swept under the carpet. Remember Hindraf?

Teresa Kok and a young journalist were detained under the infamous ISA not so long ago for certain statements made. However, the fact that they were released within a short time shows that no one can sweep the truth under the carpet.

The revelation of the Lingam tape was enlightening to say the least. I salute the people who exposed this matter all the way and any prosecutions would still be welcome.

I am angry with the irregularities highlighted in the Auditor-General’s Report 2008, yet I am comforted by the thought that many have ensured that these irregularities are not ignored. Hopefully, those guilty will face the consequences, failing which there will be people continuing to ensure that justice is served.

Not forgetting that we have a voting power to vote for change. One day, we may even realise a dream of having a non-Malay prime minister properly voted in. That is the spirit of ‘1Malaysia’. Afterall, if the US can have Barack Obama, there is hope for us.

I would like to publish a quotable quote from Obama as follows: ‘When people are judged by merit, not connections, then the best and brightest can lead the country, people will work hard, and the entire economy will grow. Everyone will benefit and more resources will be available for all, not just select groups’.

Barack took the words right out of my mouth. Not too long ago the long-ruling complacent LDP party of Japan was replaced. When the going gets tough, we get going. When the going get tougher, we have people like Tian Chua sitting in front of a riot police truck and doing the imaginable.

We have the bold, brave no-holds-barred, Raja Petra Kamarudin and his results speak for themselves. We must not run away and leave our beloved country. God willing, I shall die and be buried as a Malaysian in Malaysian soil.