I refer to Malaysian Student Department director Dr Kamarudin Mohd Nor's letter No bias against 'opposition' students.

I am no Umno, PAS, DAP or Keadilan member. I vote for the candidate, not the party which he or she is affiliated to. Hence, I find Kamarudin's declaration rather ironic.

His choice of words indicate that, to him, non-Umno/Barisan Nasional supporters are 'opposition' students. He also labeled Hizbi's activities as "brainwashing" and PAS followers as "instigating" the students.

Kamarudin's point of view clearly reflects the views of government leaders and chauvinist members in Umno, MCA or MIC. This 'anti-government' labeling is getting out of hand.

Out of sheer convenience and maybe to gain political mileage, they say that anyone who does not support the government should be reprimanded or sacked, especially if they work for the government or federal-funded organisations.

But what exactly is "anti-government"? An individual or organisation who is anti-government is against the governmental institutions, not who is in the government. Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition party today, may one day be replaced by PAS, DAP or Keadilan.

Therefore, one must clearly separate the parties that represent the people in the government from the governmental institution that actually governs the country's administration. Students, workers or anyone who support opposition parties are normally not anti-government; they are just against the principles of Umno, MCA or MIC.

They do not necessarily hate the government; they simply do not like their presidents — Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Dr Ling Liong Sik and S Samy Vellu.

Should a new party or coalition succeed in replacing BN, will the table then be turned and "anti-government insurgents" be called of all BN leaders and members?