I share whole-heartedly the sentiments expressed through YWL's comments that Malaysians should continue to fly the Jalur Gemilang, our national flag, "despite of Kadir and racism".

I noticed that the younger generation had been too emotional over the question of patriotism and this new development is indeed of serious concern to the government. Over the past years, we have reacted to certain national issues, including the flying the national flag, in reaction to negative remarks made by certain individuals, including some of our political leaders, such as the famous bow-tie minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir .

Let us confine our thoughts to more serious global issues that are confronting us and try to visualise the sufferings and miseries of so many innocent people of the world, caused by the tyranny of military and economic supremacy of certain so-called superpower of nations. People are dying by the thousands in Africa, Iraq, Israel/Palestine conflict, Indonesia, Afghanistan and India, but yet we are so deeply obsessed with our own national issues to disrupt the peace, stability and tranquillity of our administration and country.

All these issues had been further contaminated by sweeping media reports and reactions to stir-up public opinion on sensitive issues such as Internal Security Act (ISA), corruption, Negara Ku, national flag, Malaysia Boleh achievements, etc, especially in the run-up to the coming general election.

As a citizen born in the pre-Merdeka era and like many other peace-loving Malaysians of my generation, we are deeply concerned and feel threatened by these provocative developments within our society that may develop into another racial explosion like in May 1969.

Our present leaders, both government and responsible opposition as well as the majority of our people, have expressed repeated anxiety and concern about the way certain individuals or groups that are out to destroy this nation, in order to achieve their own political agenda to overthrow the Barisan Nasional government. Do we want anarchy or peace and stability in Malaysia?

I am afraid all those sensitive national issues that may contain elements of racism should be monitored in order to defend our national security. There is no compromise in any open debates which may violate the majority rights of the people. Our national sovereignty is at stake and the government of the day has a democratic responsibility to protect the people through the judiciary and administrative process.

However, in a free democratic society, the people who may not agree with the polices enforced by our government, have the choice to give a new mandate in the coming general election through the ballot box so that an alternative government could be democratically elected, whether it's going to be Barisan Nasional or Barisan Alternatif.

The people have the right to question certain controversial policies including ISA and other sensitive issues, but not on the streets or in the media. The sensible approach to raise such issues should be at the parliamentary level within the various select committees that represent the ultimate voice of the electorates. Do have confidence in our parliamentary system, otherwise demand for an immediate general election to obtain a fresh mandate for a new elected government through the ballot box.

I am afraid that with the impending departure of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in October, Malaysia will lose its grip on many national and international issues. Our beloved Mahathir is not perfect as he himself has frequently acknowledged but he has been trying his best to satisfy the expectations of the people, particularly the Malays and Chinese who are the major stakeholders in our nation-building.

Nobody is perfect and there can be no absolute 'win-win situation' so let's provide the best situation and accept what is good for the majority, rather than based on individual likes and dislikes.

As responsible Malaysians, we should remain positive and focus on ways and means to assist our incoming premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his new cabinet team to do their job and carry on with the visions of Mahathir. I am confident that Pak Lah has a formidable line-up of advisers, including Mahathir who will assume a different role in his capacity as our "guru of political, economic and foreign policy matters of national interest ".

I noticed that Musa Hitam recently provided his constructive views on many national issues through malaysiakini which will certainly be of immense value and help to Pak Lah's new political and administrative approach after October 2003.