Frankly, I'm sick of reading letters that condemn the current Malaysian government, making it sound as though it is the scum of the earth. To these people who continuously show a distinct lack of gratitude, I pose a challenge:

Firstly, prove to me that Malaysia is not the envy of the Third World - for all our supposed political inadequacies, we still have the one of the most vibrant Third World economies in the world, social integration and relative harmony that countries like South Africa can only dream of emulating. If we are bad as you say, tell me how we have achieved all of this?

Secondly, prove to me that "justice", "keadilan" and first-world-style democracy is what a country like ours needs. Take a look at India - tell me how well first-world-style democracy has worked for them?

Show me that the largest democracy in the world is also not one of the most troubled societies in the world, and then maybe I'll begin to admit that you have a point.

And while you're at it, why don't you explain to me why has Singapore done so well economically and enjoyed such a high level of social harmony even with its hard, strong-arm-style government that uses the court to squash any and all opposition.

To all you whiners out there - wake up! Freedom, justice and every other altruistic theoretical concept is great, but as Abraham Maslow pointed out, these concepts do lie at the very top of man's hierarchy of needs.

First, let's find a way to feed ourselves and feel safe in our surroundings before we even begin to pretend that these concepts, once adopted, will bring us automatic nirvana. A system of government is just that - a way to govern.

I say we go with what works (obviously, with the prosperity we're enjoying now, what we have right now works). Certainly, it isn't perfect, it has its flaws, but I think as the US Presidential elections have shown, no system is without its flaws.

A Malaysian