I refer to Not the time nor place for defeatist rhetoric .

I have been hearing comments like the writer's for last 15 years. Always blaming fellow Malaysians and others in foreign countries who were fed up with how things were in Malaysia. Yes, we got tired of the racial politics, the lack of transparency, the corruption and everything that is wrong with Malaysia and we did something about it. We found better lives for ourselves by fighting for what we believe in elsewhere.

Everyday, in this foreign land we compete based of our skills and ability - not based on whether I'm a Malay or not. So, the writer says Malaysians are having a tough time. So what exactly is he doing about it? You still vote for the same racially-biased, corrupt political party. You still put up with them. Most Malaysians still endure some opposition parties that cannot even organise a raid into a hen house.

Why? Because Malaysians are by nature complacent. Each and every race in Malaysia is complacent. Why else would the Indian community tolerate ministers like S Samy Vellu for decades? Why would everyone tolerate corrupt councils, bad transportation woes? Should you decide to keep subsidising rich highway companies while adjusting your budget, well, that is entirely your choice.

Someone told me a long time ago, you can choose to be a beggar or a king. But if you make a conscious decision to be a beggar, you have to live with it. That's exactly what complacent Malaysians have done. They are allowing themselves to be ripped off but whine and complain everywhere. You deserve the current government, as you chose them.

I remember those days when I used to write to the newspapers about racial integration. What did I get? The very same complacent comments like:

'What can you do lah , it's always been like this.'

'You Malay what, you also benefit from the government, just keep quiet lah .'

'What to do, BN is the devil you know....'

'Nanti kena ISA lah .'

And much more.

And some see fit to still complain? You want us back, those of us here in foreign lands? Make us come back. Tell us you need our skills, guidance and experience rather than blaming us for seeking what we could not get in Malaysia. Be prepared to change.

Don't blame us go-getters for having the vision, ability, strength and bravado to uproot ourselves and seek out greener pastures. If you see fit to wallow in your own self-pity, don't drag us into it.

In short, put up with it or shut up.