T Varghese symbolises youthful impatience when he says that letters and columns in malaysiakini are not important to democratisation ('Chattering away while Malaysia burns', May 21). Many people certainly do not like the way Dr Mahathir Mohamad handles politics and the economy in recent years, and it is only right to criticise him. But things are not that simple, too, in the real world.

For genuine democratisation to proceed, there has to be critical evaluation of all the institutions of powers in the society, not just one top leader. The people who want change also need intelligent and rational ideas to move forward in their quest for a better society. Debates on ideas also help to bring about attitudinal maturity. Otherwise, even if Dr Mahathir is gone, for whatever reasons, tomorrow, another 'Mahathir' would just take over the unreformed institutions of powers for another 20 years. What then is the difference except the age and face?

Think about it. Ideas and actions are always complementary. Write on, you remarkable journalists, writers, columnists and professors. I may not agree with all that you say but I love to think about what you say because you have the knowledge and time to articulate.