Shukri Yusof ('Kiasu' and the pseudo-Americans, Aug 30), who wonders why Malaysians abroad seldom have positive things to say about their homeland, has his points. But he is quite forcefully trying to negate the truth in what Perantau has said ('Decadent' western values, Aug 27).

I am a Malaysian living in Malaysia but I have spent 10 years abroad, in England.

The specific examples which the writer has brought up to state his case are equally fallacious. Doubtless that there is corruption in America. The point of contention is this: In the final analysis, Malaysia has quite a high disregard of basic human rights and this is certainly not the case in the US. I also wish to state that I am not pseudo-American, as the writer has branded Perantau.

It may be comforting to the writer to have the specific examples (which he has mentioned) in his mind to justify his stance but the truth is, what he has said does not warrant a nation to be branded corrupt or unfair.

In Malaysia, the press, the TV, the radio or even the mosques are instruments of the ruling party; if this we say is democratic and fair, then there is no point in arguing this matter any further. It is also a fact that the police act for the ruling party first, then the security of the nation. Is this is fair?

Judiciary is not exactly what we want them to be; justice is not seen by the masses to be done. Huge public funds are used to shore up selected companies, where is the accountability?

History tells us that successful nations or civilisations are but the product of the people and the excellent customs or traditions that govern their activities. A civilisation cannot exist without the blending of the two. Where are the Asians? We will get there. But our values will need to change and the values will be similar (not the same) to the core Western values that make them at the helm of the world and civilisation at the present moment.

Values that the writer propounded will be surely displaced by the time we get there.