I enjoy your columnist Dean Johns' articles. Even if I do not agree with his opinion or train of thought, I find his articles well-written and informative. Life as a waiter drew my attention to his wait for governments to change.

It is interesting to note that Western democracies generally have set term limits and a definite period between elections. The US takes the lead in that direction by specifying definite election dates for the legislature and executive branches. There are no preferred successors to high office in the leadership that 'vacates' office. The election starts at the grassroots level with primary elections with lots of vocal comment between the candidates.

I agree that some of what the people say is mere noise and sometimes hard to believe. Such are the workings of a free society. Setting term limits and allowing grassroots' opinions to be part of the election process is one of the basic signs that a government's design (constitution) is stable.

Contrast the American way with the Asian way. In all the Asian countries, politics runs down the same road as state secrets. The 'parties' divide the people by race and religion in numerous ways and then declare they have provided democracy. Indeed, it is hypocrisy. But life is good and the people tend to accept it.

There are two contrasts with managed governments in Asia that stand out - the Singapore way and the Malaysian way. Johns decries the excess arrogance and hubris Singapore's PAP exhibits. True, to a freedom loving person, one has to wonder what keeps that government going. It isn't the act of tossing everyone in jail, although they have that power. Rather, it's the results. Have you looked at Singapore lately?

After almost a quarter century of living in this area, I can say that Singapore, even with PAP's arrogance and hubris, has learned how to do chicken right and may even be able to tell the world how to suck eggs. Fortunately for Singapore, strong government control has brought sufficient opportunity for its citizens to claim a standard of life equal to many advanced countries in the world. What would be the benefit of having PAP succumb?

Contrast the Singapore experience with Malaysia. Controlled democracy in Malaysia has brought nothing more than deceit and ineffective governance. One cannot even look to his local council for execution of good services. TNB, TMNet, Puas etc, not much works to perfection. The latest by-elections show the government is as shallow as it gets. But for the majority of the people, life is good.

There is no real interest from the people in changing the status-quo because they have more than they ever had. I know only too well; they read Malaysiakini, Harakah, Aliran etc. to no end. They talk in the office, in each other's homes, in the coffee shops and in the food stalls, but they rarely talk at the polls. They secretly worry about one race or religion getting more than the next and form blocks to protect what they consider their self-interests.

Indeed, Johns (and many of us) will wait a long time for things to change in Malaysia. Singapore is a different story; I would not spend time waiting on them to change as they are too successful. Not many there will try to rock that boat and why should they? In 50 years or so, Singapore has built a very high standard of living (agreed at some social cost) that none, absolutely none of the other Asian 'regimes' have been able to build.

Malaysia is in a distant second place for efficiency and the class of service the government offers its citizens. It could be much, much better but it will take lots more than just talk, writing and waiting to overcome the petty minds of those in office today in order to have true governmental progress.

When Malaysia can look at government service as a provider of essential services rather than a path to riches by a select few; when Malaysia can agree to set term limits for elective office and allow grassroots voices to have a say in selecting candidates; when Malaysia can stop looking for a 'strongman' to replace Mahathir; when Malaysia can end its dependence on 'influential people' to get basic services rendered; when Malaysia can stop rigging elections in the numerous ways they do; then they can make grand headway towards a truly advanced society with good social values that will serve all equally well as a complete nation.

Until that time, most of us will be in line with Johns, waiting.