Baladewa's understanding of the Sam Chan's fear of an Islamic state is accurate ([#1]Will Islam obliterate the Chinese?[/#] Feb 2). However, I do find Sam's fear to be well-founded. The object of his fear is not a specific group of people, rather the structure of the Malaysian government and the understanding of democracy by its people.

A truly democratic government should respect the will of the people and not the will of a handful of leaders. And a truly democratic society should be tolerant of all religions and philosophies. As long as the Malaysian government's present structure remains, the danger Sam points out exists because it is up to the discretion of the leaders to impose their will on the people or, specifically, the minorities.

Sam pointed out that: "Running a country is like running a huge corporation." I should also add that this is truer in a democratic country than any other. In a corporation, the CEO is the head of the management team and thus comparable to the prime minister. His experience is important to the company's well-being and future. His vision can direct the company to industrial leadership. His managerial skills are vital for the smooth daily operation of the company. The prime minister, too, has the same responsibilities to a nation.

Also important to a corporation are the board of directors who represents the interest of the investors. They hire and evaluate the performance of the CEO. They are the checks and balances of the power structure. This is vital because as important as the CEO is to a company, his misdirection and abuse of power will lead to the destruction of a company.

So, in a democratic country, who is the board of directors? We the rakyat invested in the country in terms of taxes, energy and services. Who is looking after our interests?

Unfortunately, there is no "board of directors" in Malaysia that is looking out for us. We have placed our money, energy and faith in the government's hand but there are no provisions for us to question what the government is doing with our investments.

So all Malaysians should ask themselves: Can we afford not to exercise people power?