With reference to your report, 'DAP slams Wan Azizah for 'Islamic State' remarks' (June 26), quoting DAP deputy chairman Karpal Singh criticising the Keadilan president for saying that an "Islamic State is a possibility".

As a supporter of the opposition in general and DAP in particular, I am dismayed by the fact that BA leaders like Karpal Singh is still so immature as to rely purely on press reports as the basis of inter-party communication.

As we all know, the mainstream media is controlled by Barisan Nasional and its proxies. Couldn't DAP and Karpal be more mature and politically responsible by first communicating with their fellow Barisan Alternatif leaders in Keadilan, PRM and PAS personally through telephones, e-mail, fax or physical contacts first to ascertain what the other side actually said, before making press comments?

If DAP still trusts mainstream media, it has lost the moral authority to campaign for press freedom and independence, or to ask the people not to believe in BN propaganda.

Issuing press statements is a cheap and effective way of becoming a famous public figure and hero, but on important issues like this, Karpal should have been more careful. Or is Karpal looking for excuses for DAP to join BN and work with the so-called 'secular' Umno?

It is time for opposition supporters, including responsible DAP leaders and members to censure old heroes like Karpal for being out of touch with new situation.

Nonetheless, I still support DAP and the opposition for I am based in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and will not have to vote for Karpal in Jelutong, Penang.