I refer to China Press Staff's letter of sadness and fear about losing their rice bowl because of the call to boycott Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press .

We are currently living in unusual and trying times due to the past and current excesses of the powers-that-be who are holding on to power by all means.

Such times mean innocent people are sacrificed like lambs on the altar of 'democracy', 'stability' or 'national security'. Unusual times sadly give rise to unusual actions.

The Nanyang and China Press issue arise out of the desire of some to control and stifle legitimate voices of the people, i.e. legitimate citizens of Malaysia. Such action will result in a society which will only be exposed to one view and not other equally legitimate if diverse views. How sad it will be for humankind if our children are brought up in a 'Big Brother knows best' society.

I'm sorry that the staff's rice bowl will be negatively affected due to the boycott, but how can one eat from a rice bowl which comes from lies and misinformation? How can we face our future generation knowing that their minds are conditioned by lies and misinformation, thanks in part to us? Forgo your dirty rice bowl and change to one you can eat in peace and a clear conscience.

I'm happy to share my meal with you and believe that many peace and justice-loving people of Malaysia would do likewise.

I would rather find a more respectable and lowly-paid job than feed others all those garbage from 'Big Brother' - at least my soul is at peace and I still have my dignity when I die.