I had a good laugh reading Sam Chan's letter, [#1] People Power: Can we pay the price?[/#] (Feb 1). I could not believe how narrow someone's mind could be, even after he has stayed in the United States for a couple of years.

Firstly, let me justify that I am not a keen politics fan - let alone a supporter of any side in the local politics scene. But, how can the writer assume that "If Keadilan comes into power, the country will be more Islamic, Chinese schools will have to go, we won't be able to eat pork, there will be no more Chinese movies or dramas on TV"?

The non-Muslims in Kelantan and Terengganu (which are BA-controlled and perceived as purely Islamic states) are treated better than the non-Muslims here. While I am not able to elaborate on the principles of Islam here, it is sad to see there are still citizens that have such perceptions towards Islam as the writer's - even after "living in the best of both worlds (Malaysia and the US)".

Plus, I disagree with the writer's definition of freedom of speech. It does not only encompass racial aspects, but covers everything from religion and our principles in life. During my stay in the US - the ultimate "free country", as popularly perceived, the WASPs (White-Anglo-Saxon-Protestants) still refer to the African Americans as "coloured", and not "nigger". You'll get into trouble if you mention the latter in any African American's presence, unless you are one of them.

The point is, there are limits and borders to everything in life, even when it comes to free speech and freedom to do as you please, and even if you're in a free country. That's why you can't walk naked even on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Finally, to answer your question, "Can we Malaysians pay the price for this humongous change?", well, if we Malaysians do not improve our perceptions and mentality toward change, I believe that change would not do us any good.