I refer to the malaysiakini report Howls of protest over 'nab the dog' contest .

When I visited Malaysia in 2000 and 2001, I instantly fell in love with the place. I found the people to be kind and gentle, and the beauty was simply surreal.

It is thus with shock that I read about this stray dog-catching competition the people of Malaysia are not so gentle and kind after all. My illusions have been shattered and the wonderful memories I have of Malaysia have been spoilt.

I was hoping to visit Malaysia soon again to relive the splendour of it all, but I am genuinely having second thoughts. The East has a terrible reputation in regards to animal welfare but the last place I expected would promote such an act, was Malaysia.

I think it is terrible that Malaysia has no compassion for dogs. Instead of trying to deal with a stray dog problem in a compassionate way, they turn it in to a sport and an event of fun at the expense of the voiceless.

No, Malaysia. This is not on. I was kind of hoping that your hearts were as beautiful as your country. Instead, you are no different to all the other countries in the East.