I was happy to read Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's advice to civil servants to take heed of the criticisms that may be levelled at them during the Umno general assembly because criticisms are not meant to condemn or put them down.

In fact, if everyone follows this advice, life will be less traumatic, improvements will be made and everyone will benefit.

The truth is that criticisms are part of life and often necessary. Because we are imperfect creatures, we make mistakes. Hence the popular saying, "To err is human, to forgive is divine." If we all followed Pak Lah's advice, we will soon make progress because we take heed of what others tell us, especially our shortcomings so that we can become better at what we do and who we are.

No one should be afraid of criticisms or be above criticism. Sometimes we even need to criticise our parents because they, like all humans, have their faults. They know it is not because we do not love them. People who do not criticise often do not care, and that may be worse. But it is not what is said but how it is said that matters.

Those in authority often find it hard for others to criticise them. But they need to realise that their critics are not being personal but may have a genuine grievance. When a society is free and open, one that not only allows but encourages those with grievances to air them and obtain redress, it will be a good and healthy society.

Even in a family, as most parents observe, the children become more vocal and critical because they are developing their adult responsibility of making decisions and choosing what is good for them. It is all part of growing up. It would be terrible if children remained children, incapable of taking adult action.

Many problems in society can be resolved if everyone takes the approach of the prime minister. We should treat those who criticise us as friends. After all, there is a proverb that says "Reproof a wise man and he will love you, but rebuke a fool and he will hate you."

Furthermore there is also a saying, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend but deceitful the kisses of an enemy." So we should all treat our critics as those who love us because they want us to improve. We should listen to our critics as the prime minister rightly reminded us.

Malaysia is fortunate to have a prime minister who is caring and concerned for religious sensitivities. More people should follow his example. We will remember to pray for the Umno delegates during their gathering and remind ourselves that just like those in the civil service, as Pak Lah has said, "Regardless of their race or religion" we are "brothers and comrades, who work together to achieve a common goal."

Critics are our friends, not enemies.