Kevin Gan's letter was a very good summary of the Malaysian political scene and why People Power a la Philippines is unlikely to happen in Malaysia ([#1]Can People Power happen here?[/#] Jan 30).

But after reading Ahmad Syafiq's letter ([#2]Dr M's still the best[/#], Jan 31), I realised that there is another reason why People Power won't happen, something Kevin missed - blind loyalty.

Yes, we accept the election results, but that doesn't mean people have to accept everything the prime minister does after the elections.Winning the election does not mean the winner is deserving of blind loyalty from everyone until the next election. People can disagree and should be given the right to voice their disagreement.

And yes, our Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has done some great things since he came into power and we shouldn't forget it, but that doesn't absolve him of the greater injustices that have happened while he's in power.

And why should Anwar Ibrahim's trial be taken as proof that we live in a country that says 'no' to corruption? The writer doesn't seem to have anything to say about the former head of the ACA testifying in court during Anwar's trial that Mahathir directly interfered and ordered him to stop investigation into a corruption case against the then Economic Planning Unit director-general. I guess this is a sort of "selective proof-taking" or "selective blindness".

Do pray tell, what is this relationship between Anwar, his wife, daughter, and Joseph Estrada that the writer wants malaysiakini to publish? Or is this just another of those malicious insinuations such as that Anwar is a spy and such, without actually having any supporting evidence, or in this case without stating anything at all!

Malaysiakini doesn't just glorify the opposition, maybe the writer didn't catch the "Marina vs Chandra" reporting in this online daily.

As for practising press freedom in Malaysia, as claimed by the writer, yes, that's why we banned Detik and al-Wasilah. Maybe the writer isn't aware of these, or is it another case of "blindness"?

The writer claims nobody complains about the opposition newsletters; yeah, that's why Harakah was forced to publish fortnightly instead of the initial twice a week.

The question is not whether people should complain about media and newspapers supporting the government, but whether the media have the freedom not to. Are they free from getting "advice" from the Home Affairs Ministry if they choose not to support the ruling party? Will their annual printing permits still be renewed?

The likely reason the ruling party hasn't done anything yet to stop online media is fear of the adverse consequences that may befall the Multimedia Super Corridor should they do so. Even so, the Barisan Nasional government is practising a devious method of censorship by not providing online media organisations with press passes and thus enabling BN to deny these organisations, official access to government functions.

The writer claims that the people in Indonesia and the Philippines are hungry, jobless and angry. And I suppose they live in trees as well. Has the writer been to these countries? Anyway, People Power II happened due to the perceived corruption of the president and the failure of the Senate to effectively prosecute him. How does People Power "bring back some money to feed their kids or family members", as the writer mentions? And please don't insult the Indonesians and Filipinos by implying that they have no sense of charity.

As for the writer urging Kevin to do research on why the peoples of these countries are taking to the streets, before he writes nonsense and sends it out for publication in future, I have to say this one takes the cake! The writer should practise what he preaches. Though I doubt this is possible for those who are "blind".