At first, reading Scott South's sharp letter (' American journalists have free expression ') was difficult indeed. Immediately, I was put off.. "How dare you? Even if it is the truth, you can't put it so blatantly!"

Upon further reflection, why not? I suppose the reason is that this is a national embarrassment that we must hide at all cost. Malaysia's response is simple: claim that those who are doing it better than us is not very good at it as well. The irony of it is not lost on our deputy information minister, unfortunately.

But, fellow citizens, despair not. The fact that Mr South's letter and hopefully mine are published here in malaysiakini proves that there is still an avenue to fight for freedom of expression. Unless, of course, the government finds it useful to suppress this forum.

After all, Lao Zi said: "In ancient times, those who excelled in the Way did not use it to enlighten the people but to keep them ignorant. When people are hard to govern, it is because they know too much."

Congratulations BN! You have indeed mastered the Way of the sages.