I agree with Twice-pensioned Pak Haji that we should focus our efforts on 2004 to try and do what we think is right ('Focus efforts on 2004', April 24).

Unfortunately the current leaders think that since they have been elected for the current five-year term they can do whatever they like regardless of the opinion of the people who put them there in the first place.

And they are using all the powers at their disposal to get what they want, at the expense of others. Sad to say, this is the mentality of the current leaders that we have elected. Pak Haji is also correct in saying we are willing to settle for whatever is left for us common people to enjoy.

While the next real and legal opportunity is still three years away, I think we should not sit still and wait. We have three years to spread the word and convince others who are apathetic or resigned to accepting what is left for them, that when the time comes, we should not make the same mistake again.

Time is a great healer and we have short memories but we should not let these factors get in our way.

If we believe that the current situation is unacceptable (as Pak Haji said - cronyism, bailouts, ISA arrests, abuse of power, etc.) then we should convince our relatives, friends and neighbours that we should reverse the situation. After all, everybody can see what is happening, but are in denial as it is the easiest path.

Spreading the word can be our peaceful version of people power. After all, the pen is mightier than the sword.