Many have written to this channel to express their support for the abolishment of the ISA. Many of these voices are from the opposition members. I think it is quite unfair to listen to only one side of the story.

I, for one, support the use of the ISA against the 10 members of the opposition (and reformasi activists).

It brought peace, for the nation has returned to a calm and peaceful place to live and conduct business. We no longer have to worry about some group of people gathering and disrupting our way of lives. We don't have to live in fear of our children getting mixed up with these unruly crowds. We don't have to worry about our business premises being broken into when the crowd turns ugly.

It also saved our police force from having to waste their time and energy in containing the demonstrators. Every time a demonstration is held, a large group of police personnel has to be deployed to ensure that the crowd behaves. This is a waste of public money. The police could have spent more of their time fighting crimes and solving other criminal cases. Even if they have nothing to do, they could be directing traffic to ensure a smooth flow.

I am not against opposition members voicing out abuses committed by the government. But I am against the way a small minority group is taking advantage of the silent majority's tolerance to achieve their own aims.

It is time the silent majority speak up.

The ISA is here to safeguard the country. The opposition should not use the streets to change the government. Please use the ballot box. Please be patient and wait until 2004.