I am glad and encouraged that Umno vice-president Muhammad Muhd Taib took the effort to explain in Several new constituencies classified as high-risk seats that the recent re-delineation exercise was not all to Barisan Nasional's advantage as some quarters claimed.

Encouraged, because a senior member of the ruling party has tried to put forward his side of the story in a clear and rational manner, instead of the usual down-your-throat, I-know-what-is-best-for-you, so-swallow-it-whether-you-like-it-or-not approach.

It was not so much what was said but the manner it was said. Never mind the opposing views, what is important is that a healthy discourse is encouraged and the people are not treated like kids.