I would like to clarify a point Mazeni Alwi made about Janet Jackson's debacle . Mazeni stated that the American public was scandalised by Jackson's 'wardrobe malfunction' during the Superbowl half-time. I disagree.

Generally speaking, the public was not scandalised; rather, Bush's neo-con cronies in the government were scandalised. The latter, under the flimsy excuse that the federal government owns the airwave frequencies, has been censor-happy in regard to free-to-air broadcasts, both via radio and TV.

However, foreign spectators must remember that cable and satellite TV providers in the U.S. are free to show what they like. This is why, for example, we can see nearly X-rated scenes in two of the finest TV series I have ever seen in my 55 years, HBO's 'The Sopranos' and 'Sex and the City' (the latter only recently being allowed into Singapore but no doubt the censored version ).

I have access to 225 uncensored US satellite channels in my home, including recent movies-on- demand, so the 'wardrobe malfunction' incident does not particularly affect me - yet.

Still, I am disturbed and angered by the Mahathir-like attitudes of the US government. The famous First Amendment to our constitution says it very clearly: 'Congress shall make no law ... abridging freedom of expression, or of the press... '.

And yet, the US Congress, as I write, is pushing through tougher laws to censor our free-to-air broadcasts! To me, 'no law' means 'no law'. Not 'no law except when George W Bush objects'.

The next thing you know, Mahathir will be taking credit for America seeing the wisdom of Malaysian ways. By George!