One would wish that the Shaukat Alis in our midst would learn to engage in meaningful dialogue. Regrettably we have to view another peevish, pouted outburst.

Come, come Ali, let us debate this like gentlemen.

Allow me, as another of your 'armchair generals', to assemble my forces and proceed to blast you to smithereens, metaphorically speaking, of course.

A quick look at the CIA -The World Factbook provides some basic armament. I make no claim as to accuracy and completeness of all data; feel free to check other sources.

Although the CIA may well be motivated to spread disinformation, please check their website and their methodology for yourself.

As stated again and again, I don't vouch for the complete accuracy of all these statistics. But do you have better data? Prove it. If not, as the saying goes, better for the ignoramus to keep quiet than open his mouth and display his ignorance.

Kelvin Ong was merely expressing the uneasiness which many of your fellow Malaysians have felt since Sept 11.

The above data, imperfect though they may be, are certainly instructive, as to the importance placed on safeguarding our territorial integrity and national sovereignty, as you keep bleating.

Are we really doing enough? If not, why not and when?

We deserve better answers.