From the letters in malaysiakini, one can observe that there is an increasing number of MyKad detractors. The concerns raised in these letters are inevitably killing off the novelty of the government's all-in-one card.

It is sad, since the clone-proof nature of MyKad and its support for public key infrastructure digital certificate (PKI) I may be just what we need to kick-start e-commerce in Malaysia.

E-commerce may have bubbled and burst in some parts of the world but it is definitely here to stay. Despite all the hype surrounding MSC, e-commerce has hardly seen the light of the day in the country. Companies like Air Asia which capitalises on e-commerce to reduce operating costs and pass on the benefits customers are indeed very rare in Malaysia.

For my upcoming trip to a city in Europe, I have bought a budget flight ticket, booked accommodation, rented a car and reserved a parking space at the airport's long stay car park. All done without leaving my computer desk. All with discounts for online transactions.

If I wanted to, I can as easily get driving directions, buy a guide book and travel insurance online. Many offline Malaysians may think it a myth, but this level of convenience do exist.

Despite its potential benefits, concerns on privacy issues with regards to MyKad is well placed. Many will continue to point out flaws in the protection of personal data.

There are ways to protect individual privacy, but by not responding in a convincing and widespread fashion, the government is just making matters worse.

Not showing that the government is keen to listen to suggestions and working on a solution is a recipe for continued public speculation.

Let us wait for the day a person with strings to the government is exposed with syphilis or chlamydia on his/her MyKad medical record. With the speed information (gossip) moves around today and with a sprinkle of luck, this wait will hopefully not be long.

Should this be what it takes for someone with authority to act decisively on the matter and if this too is the price they are willing to pay, so be it.