I refer to Ariff Yusof's letter Do not toy with Islam . Its interesting that one of your readers is issuing a threat. His reference to the PUM (Malaysian Muslim Scholars Association) memo and his call not to entertain Tai Loh Chin and Dr Farish A Noor's writing is a clear attempt to censor individuals and also to circumscribe debate that affects all Malaysians.

And what are we to make of his reference to those "seething in disgust and anger"; are we to assume that they will act on these feelings? And against whom: Farish, Tai or malaysiakini ? And how: through the courts, on the streets or through cyberspace?

These sentiments contrasts violently with his call for "balance".

I'd suggest that the writer not toy with the methods of social fascist lest he unleashes a greater monster than he perceives in the thoughts and writings of both Tai and Farish. Unless that is what he intends.

Unfortunately, his uncritical reference to the PUM memo suggests that he shares with them a contempt for the democratic and liberal aspiration of some (perhaps millions) of his fellow countrymen and women, since PUM wants nothing more than to add to the already long list of criminalised speech. And like them, he, too, wants to silence Farish.

Finally, as a fellow journalist, I am concerned when readers or listeners issue threats against media organisations. I'm also concerned when they threaten the livelihoods of writers like Farish. Malaysiakini must assure us that it will not give in to such threats.

It has been said before, the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.