I am always saddened by people like A Voice Of The Silent Majority ('What's good about the ISA', June 7) who just come across as so terribly naive and ignorant. He/she says, "I think it is quite unfair to listen to only one side of the story."

There is a reason why we don't read local newspapers but malaysiakini , and part of that reason is reflected by how even 'opposing' voices like the writer's can get published. Imagine writing a letter against the ISA and the likelihood of getting it published in The Star .

Secondly, talk about peace, what person would not want peace? Besides, this isn't about peace, this is about basic human rights. If someone commits a wrongdoing, that person deserves to be tried. In an open court. Why the secrecy, unless the authorities do not have an iota of evidence. What good reason can the writer think of for the 'wrongdoer' not to be tried fairly? The reason some people support the ISA is because they don't know those people who are detained under it and that's fine, isn't it?

So the writer wants peace, and a place to live and conduct business? Me too.

But I want more than that. I would like to count on my EPF money when I need it. I would like to live in a safe country where the drivers are not suicidal, and I would like the police to do a whole lot more to catch these idiots. I would like to be able to receive a summons when I break a road rule, and not get asked " Ah Moi, mau minum teh dengan saya kah (Miss, wanna go for a drink with me? Ah Moi sudah kahwin ke (Are you married)?" or " Mau settle ke, cik (Do you want to 'settle' the fine here, miss)?"

I would like a more efficient civil government system. I would like the town or city council to be more responsible. I do not like them to spend my money to buy expensive useless equipment (as the Subang Jaya municipal council). I do not like them to go on lawatan belajar (study trip) overseas, with our money. Oh, I would also like to have pothole-free roads to drive on.

Am I being unreasonable? Am I asking way too much?

The writer says, "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."

Does the opposition have any other avenue to voice their unhappiness? Is the opposition given any air time? If there was an avenue to voice this, do you honestly think people would take to the streets like they do now? They simply have no choice. And by the way, I disagree that the silent majority are tolerant - they are plain selfish and ignorant.

The writer says, "Please use the ballot box. Please be patient and wait until 2004". So that, what? And in the meantime, the opposition should just put up with the lies and slander, and abuse of power, and hijacking of public monies, and so on. And a lot of people with the same mindset as the writer will believe the government again and again, and then return it to power in 2004.