I refer to Uncle Yap's letter Muddled over water talk .

Indeed the 12-sen-figure was "misconstrued" by the Malaysian side. However, I doubt the mis-interpretation was inadvertent.

As to "mass media conditioning", I think the writer has grossly under-estimated the intelligence of the general population. While I agree with him that the media had indirectly pushed politicians from both countries into tight corners, they do play an important role of dissemination of information. Otherwise, the writer would not have any basis to formulate his arguments.

I am not sure what makes the writer think I am lying

about the acceptance of Newater. Frankly, I was apprehensive at first, but quickly overcame the 'yuk' factor after drinking a bottle of Newater a few months back.

For the writer's information, most Singaporeans have great confidence in their government when it comes to quality control of food and fluid for human consumption.

If you think about it, all the Earth's water resources are being recycled all this while; Singapore (and a few other countries) is just doing it in a controlled synthetical manner!