I take offence at the Don's presumption that those who "appear to be using their own name are mostly retired individuals, or are talking about issues which will not ruffle any feathers". This is because I am neither one of those. I am a practising lawyer and I do write critical pieces - both in and out of malaysiakini .

The Don has opined that he would put his name to his works if this were a more open and liberal country. But what the Don doesn't seem to appreciate that it is precisely this attitude that encourages and fosters this fear. Being courageous is never easy because the repercussions are grave. Nobody ever said the struggle for freedom was easy but it has to be done. Putting our names down to whatever we write is a small step in that direction. If all of us are brave enough to put our real names down, this will give bravery to others. You never saw great men like Nabi Mohammed, Jesus, Mandela, Gandhi, Jose Rizal cower behind pseudonyms in their quest.

Another reason why it is important to put one's real name down in writing letters is because putting your name down declares your interest. This is one of the most basic fundamental requirements to fostering a liberal, tolerant and open society. It declares to the world, this is who I am - you are at liberty to verify me, and this is what I think. If you hide behind a pseudonym, how do we know what or whose interests you represent? Furthermore, how does one verify the criticisms made by a pseudonym.

The Don thinks that the 'periuk nasi' argument is one that holds. Yes, it does. For cowards it does. For all those who are unwilling to sacrifice a little discomfort to themselves to uphold justice, freedom and truth, great truths and great things never come from those busy protecting their rice bowl. They come from those possessed with courage willing to take a stand and say, 'To hell the vox populi or the powers-that-be, I'll say/do it whether you like it or not.'

If you are truthful, many will stand and rally with you. If you are not, you will deservedly stand alone. When I first started writing in the public domain, I considered several pseudonyms. I was tickled by my cleverness, by my wittiness. I too was mindful of the repercussions that would befall me if I wrote something that was 'out of line'. That was why I considered a pseudonym in the first place. You would think it a minor moment. For me, in truth, it was a major moment in my life because I take seriously these letters I write.

In such turning points of one's life, it is natural to feel doubt, anxiety or anguish. I still remember my father's last words to me: "If you are not going to put your pen to your name, don't put pen to paper."