I agree that malaysiakini should adopt a more constructive approach to reporting the news ([#1] Criticise constructively [/#], Feb 6). In fact, I think it should start reporting the news. It appears to me that malaysiakini has more articles and letters than actual news content. To be really successful the paper must give a more comprehensive treatment of the news of the day and not just be limited to items which give the paper the appearance of being an opposition organ.

However, I think it is refreshing to see a paper that gives us another point of view. The bland sycophantic reporting and comment of the other papers are not good for the nation. The government simply has to be given the other point of view on matters and issues that are unjust or plain wrong.

Democracy is not just about having free elections. Democracy is about respect for the individual, it is about the rule of law, it is about a professional police force responsible for the welfare of the people, it is about an honest and responsive government, it is about a competent and independent judiciary and legal profession, and it is about a free press.

Democratic processes must occur between elections. Elected representatives cannot take the attitude that having been elected they can do what they like and that those who are not elected have no right to criticise and comment.

Mistakes are often made because the decision maker is not given a contrary point of view. In feudal times, "the King could do no wrong". These are not feudal times. We have also learnt the lesson of the emperor who wore no clothes. His ministers and courtiers had convinced themselves that the emperor was right and rejected the evidence before their own eyes.

Malaysia has made much progress. There are many things that are right about this country. We have achieved much. The evidence is there. Whilst there is a need for improvement in certain critical areas, we should not ignore the distance we have traveled as a nation.

We have a much bigger educated middle class now. A thinking middle class. And consequently there is a demand for greater accountability.

There is also a demand for a change in strategies for upliftment of the poor. Quality of housing and education must be upgraded. More schools and houses must be built. The quality of teacher training must be raised and the morale and commitment of the teaching profession must be restored.

The position of the English language must be reinforced. We must adopt a bilingual policy where Malay and English become official languages. Without a proper environment for the use and maintenance of English, it will be seen as irrelevant by most.

Race relations must be placed on a more stable and enduring footing. The equality provisions must be given full meaning. We cannot have politics which require one race to dominate the others. There must be the sharing of resources and opportunities. The distribution of opportunities must be fair and equitable. Educational opportunities must be available to all regardless of wealth or status. Or race. Every Malaysian must have access to the best education the nation can afford.

Hard work, enterprise, initiative, commitment and loyalty must be rewarded. Race must not be used as a criterion for the conferment of reward, patronage, position and entitlement. If we need to introduce welfare to ensure a safety net for the infirm and the very poor, do it. But do not compromise on the notions of equality and merit.

A nation that is not built on a foundation of morality will crumble and collapse. There must be no confusion about the politics and morality. What is right and what is wrong must be rigidly adhered to.

The Malays, Chinese and Indians must not just demand things. The future of this nation is at stake. It is one thing to demand justice and fairness from the government. It is equally important that you examine your hearts, homes and businesses.

Are you committed to multiracialism, multiculturalism and a multireligious society? Do you treat your employees the same, regardless of race? Do you have real friends of all races? Do you have employees of all races in your organisations? Are you honest and fair in all of your dealings?

There is much at stake. And each of us must play our part.