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Without being too deferential to NZUSA's attempt to inculcate a political awareness in Malaysians, it is clear evidently they have succeeded to a certain extent. The responses and initiatives in Salient are encouraging, but bonhommie, it is regretful to note that many of the comments lack the finesse of depth and relevance both in the analysis and discussion of problems uniquely Malaysian. It begrieves me to say that we can so unabashedly call ourselves worthy students of the Victoria University establishment. Nay, God forbid!

Embarassing the Malaysian Government tour de force is good, but I perceive that a greater good is achieved through effective and constructive intellectual discussion of the issues confronting our nations. I note the opportune offered in the Salient, and I am sure my fellow country men lack not the fore sight to see it too. It does not befit our justice to permit the analysis and identification of our nation's problems mainly to our M.U. counterparts. To date they have sallied forth and suffered the consequences of their laudable actions on the home front. Our 'education' here, our propitious opportunity to observe and utilise to the maximum our human faculties here - do we resign ourselves readily to making full use of it or are we destined to be mere passive passers-by? If that is not the case then we are not fit to set foot upon this fair New Zealand soil. Is not active intellectual and political participation-cum-discussion the key to effective ruling of a nation - be it Capitalistic or Communist? So much more then, is our reason to study in depth the problems rooted in our Malaysian socio-economico-politico sphere. Shall we not make an effort to criticise the shortcomings and inequalities in the present governmental policies and structure, approaches and the like?

This however is where common sense and clear thinking is needed. In the past issues of Salient, it is regretful to note the numerous baseless and near-sighted criticisms made against NZMSEC and MSAS. Think for a moment the realities of the political situation... Who is going to stick his neck out for anyone, least of all the anonymous critics? Not all of us can be, nor wish to be like Robert Put or the other publicly stature committee members. This voluntary denunciation does one no good except to reflect an ill-hidden psycho-somatic disease. On the critic's part enough is said. Let not history speak for us. Let us make history.

Lastly, I hope that the editor may be as kind to restrain himself from bearing down upon matters and opinions that is pro-Razak and Co. Otherwise where would the freedom of speech so often propounded in New Zealand be? I believe even Krishna Menon has the right to say what he pleases. To muffle opinions contrary to say NZUSA's policies is surely to defeat the gains to be derived from democratic discussion.

Enough is said. My fellow countrymen, shall we not indulge in meaningful dialogues?