Some Malaysian government officials are publicly predicting that the United States will subordinate its citizens' constitutional rights to fight terrorism more effectively, and perhaps even establish its own Internal Security Act ('Government offers alternative view of Islam in wake of attack', Sept 18). For anyone who imagines that, let me assure you that you are wasting your time in fantasy.

The US government and citizens take their 225-year-old Constitution very seriously. The Bill of Rights constitutes the very reason there is a New World to which European emigrants flocked. You can take it to the bank that those rights will not be amended.

Anyone in the US, including foreign visitors, can criticise American society, culture, government, its policies, its officials as they like. And those who do are protected from the wrath of powerful figures because it is very difficult for a public figure to win a libel or slander lawsuit.

Anyone can print a newspaper without a permit; there is no such thing as a press licence.

Everyone is protected against unreasonable search and seizure.

People will continue to have the right to gather in groups and protest peacefully.

There certainly will never be an ISA in the US.