As a long-time reader of the mainstream media as well as malaysiakini since its inception just before the last general election, I must commend the website for consistently upholding the principles of ethical journalism that give fair and balanced reports, intelligently argued or reasoned opinions and analyses, and above all, both sides of the story.

I am also glad to see some BN supporters, professional or otherwise, joining in the discussions and debates in the letters section. Although I am an opposition supporter, I must say I welcome them to exchange their ideas and opinions.

However, it is indeed strange why BN supporters have to come to this forum to defend the government and advance their ideas? Is it because they have tacitly admitted that the mainstream media controlled by their parties have lost credibility among the readers and Malaysians in general for the lack of balance, fairness, independence and magnanimity?

Or is it because it is always more psychologically stimulating and intellectually fulfilling to have somebody holding different or even conflicting opinions and ideas to debate with and check out the blind-spots in our minds?

If the answers are affirmative, then my BN friends must admit that the government's media policy since independence has been wrong and harmful to the healthy growth of the hearts and minds of Malaysians. What are they going to do to right the wrong?

Are they prepared to stand up to call for the liberalisation of the press laws and regulations? Are they prepared to criticise the mainstream media for not giving space and opportunities to opposition leaders and supporters to air their views and opinions.

Do our BN friends who participate in this free and fair forum know what is fairness and reciprocity? What God-given right, if any, they have to close the mainstream media for their one-sided propaganda while insisting alternative media must be two-sided?

If the mainstream media is not prepared to be fair and balanced, then it should at least be honest and declare itself the party organ of Umno, MCA and MIC, just like Harakah, The Rocket or Seruan Keadilan. Call a spade a spade, and give licences to people who can operate public media that is non-partisan, fair and balanced.

If the BN regime is not prepared to treat its citizens on both sides of the political divide fairly and justly, then what moral right does it have to expect more powerful countries in the international system to treat it with fairness and justice?

The truth is always simple: do not do unto others what you do not want others to do to you. Pray to God first and then think about the simple truth.