Contrary to the point made in Mustapha Ong's earlier letter Malott's meddling in Malaysia's affairs in defence of Malaysia's 'true solidarity' and 'political and economic defence' , he has only caused embarrassment to himself and his rather reactionary worldview.

Many thanks to malaysiakini for publishing his letter and allowing its readership an insight into the mind of a prized Colonel Blimp. I especially enjoyed the bits of his letter pointing to 'the dangerous acts of media usurpers' hellbent on 'destroying our nation's solidarity'.

I don't think even the most hard-pressed central European dictator in the twilight of his reign could have conjured up such a wonderful image. I'm sure many other such colonels exist in this diverse country of ours.

Let us celebrate their views as one would the retro-chic of redundant Soviet era automobiles and appreciate our ability to rebut their opinions in this welcome, though limited, arena of free debate.