Silent Majority's letter ('ISA should not be abolished', July 11) prompts me to finally voice out on an issue which has been on my mind for some time.

The issue I'm talking about is: It's time we put a stop to all these claims from people purporting to speak for the 'silent majority'.

By definition, those people haven't expressed their views. It is supremely presumptuous for any person to say that he or she knows what others are really thinking.

You might know people's views from talking to them or from a poll somebody took or from their body language and non-verbal communication when the issue is raised, or even from attending a (heaven forbid) demonstration.

If this is how you know your views are shared by many others, by all means, say so.

If 'Silent Majority' knows those who support his views, please, do say so. It will help us understand society better. But if not, then don't go about claiming the silent ones as your supporters.

There are lots of possible reasons why people are keeping silent. In my view, the most likely reasons are apathy and fear. If it's indeed apathy, then we can safely say that they are neutral on the issue.

If it's fear, then might it be that they disagree with those in power? (After all, who fears the powerless?)

I don't know for certain why they are staying silent. Do you? How?