I was apolitical until September 1998. Like Jukebox in the letter Bozo in politics not funny, I was also one of those previously unimpressed by PAS' member of parliament Mohamad Sabu or Mat Sabu as he is popularly known.

To be fair, I also find Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and many of the ministers ofttimes talking 'stupid' too.

Somebody suggested I keep an open mind and buy some of Mat Sabu's tapes to listen before I pass judgment on him. Indeed, after listening to his talks on tape, I found him to have substance; he also delivered facts in an easily understood format for the laypeople.

Members of his committee on Buroh dan Setinggan say he is a hardworking politician who really gets to the ground, hence his popularity with the ordinary folks. He does not get offended and welcomes criticism even from a taxi driver or a night market trader.

In contrast, many of the Barisan Nasional leaders can be quite aloof. They are only nice when they need favours from us. Having been a civil servant for more than 20 years, I have often dealt with politicians from BN, especially Umno. Sad to say even at the ministerial level, they tend to put their self-interest first.

If ever there is a by-election in my kampung, I will not hesitate to influence my fellow villagers to give the opposition a chance. All the propaganda produced by the government media has lost credibility.