Jacqueline Ann Surin's comment [#1](Unfair comment on journalists, Dec 8)[/#]is well taken. It's a comment on an opinion piece by Zakiah Koya of her own personal battles and frustrations[#1](The duty of journalists,[/#] Dec 7). It is difficult not to arrive at the conclusion that the piece appears self-righteous.

Jacqueline's comments seem to discredit malaysiakini just because Zakiah's opinion piece was published. I think that might be taking the concept of vicarious responsibility a little too far.

It is true that a lot of good and concerned journalists have left mainstream press but a lot more have actually stayed, to "battle within" perhaps. Good for them. I know that there is a whole bunch of people in the local dailies who are supportive of malaysiakini as well.

I am not a journalist. But my own battles within my own profession, show that "battling within" means compromising, currying favour and losing my own self worth.

Of course I could stick to "safe things" in my line of work where my principles and those of the management would never clash. Alas, nothing is safe in the long run.

A lot of times, the crux of my personal battle is between having money and having freedom. The freedom to think, write and act as I am my own person.

But it is true that we ourselves know and set our limits and it is not for others to determine that domain for us. So, to all alternative journalists everywhere, keep it up!