This is in reply to T Varghese, 'Chattering away while Malaysia burns', (May 21).

On my way to meet a friend on May 2, I chanced upon a worker in London. He would be equivalent to a labourer, plantation worker or maid in Malaysia (he works in a manufacturing factory). He was on his way to Highbury to meet other trade union members who were going to - as their May Day celebration - march against exploitation of the working class.

He was explaining to me the elements of Marxism, how the Labour Party had sold out, and most importantly what a revolution is. He explained that in Germany, what Marx meant was not a violent overthrow of the bourgeoisie but a forceful overthrow.

However, force does not equate violence although it does not discount it. He explained that 6,000 people gathering in Trafalgar Square will not change the government, and that a violent action would not amount to much with 6,000 people.

However, he said that if 15 million (approximately the population of London) gathered in Trafalgar and demanded for change, you definitely can 'force' a change as you have the numbers.

A few observations:

1) All revolutions devour their own children;

2) The intellectuals are an important factor but not the single most important factor;

3) Power often comes from 'below'; and

4) We all need to act together.

If the Malaysian public are able to understand how they are being manipulated and used, we are on our way towards change.

If the Malaysian working class (about nine million) could come together and understand that we can all prosper together and that we should have solidarity worldwide, than changes will happen.

And the single most important factor is education that creates good values and common sense. We need more optimists and fewer sceptics to continuously push forward for a change for the better.

All of us have to play our part.