In his latest salvo against dissenting Malaysians, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi labeled the deliberate attempts to create negative perceptions of uneasiness and distrust in the people via SMS and internet as treachery.

He claimed that these people have blemished the principles of the Rukunegara. Since primary school we were taught about the concept of Rukunegara and its five guiding principles towards the formation of a united and harmonious Malaysia.

But one question that puzzles me until today is that - if the Rukunegara is so important, why is it relegated to the back cover of our exercise books when instead it should have been printed in the front page?

Such is the mystery that surrounds our National Ideology that it has become as mysterious as the disappearance of our famous bipolar private investigator P Balasubramaniam. But that's beside the point of this letter.

The reason we are here today is to analyse our prime minister's accusation that the views and writings in our blogs are treacherous. This is a serious allegation indeed and one which I am sure the majority of us bloggers find disdainful. If the prime minister believes that exposing the truth behind the misdeeds of the ruling government is treason, then let the real truth be told!

Let us cherish our school days once again as we raise our right hand and recite the Rukunegara. This time, we shall compare who are the people who have blemished these sacred vows for the past fifty years – the rakyat or the government?

Belief in God – Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan

Malaysians are generally very religious people and religious festivals are celebrated with zest amongst the people. Religious harmony does exist at this level of society and celebrations are usually inclusive and participated by everyone regardless of their beliefs.

People who truly believe in God are respectful of other religions and they rejoice in their neighbour's celebration of spirituality. People who truly believe in God do not go around knocking down temples and stop the construction of religious symbols.

People who truly believe in God do not need to create their own brand of their religion and sell it to the Malaysian public as part of their political gimmicks.

Loyalty to King and country – Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara

The people have always been loyal to the King and country. In fact during the recent political turbulence, the people have been turning to His Majesty The Yang Di Pertuan Agong and Their Majesties the Sultans for inspiration and reassurance. The stability and neutrality of this apolitical institution is important towards the protection of the people's rights.

On the other hand, there were disagreements between the federal government and the palace in two states concerning the appointment of the chief ministers following the March 2008 general election. And going back two decades ago, the government voted to change the constitution in order to restrict the power of the monarchy.

Upholding the constitution – Keluhuran Perlembagaan

Malaysians regard the country's constitution as the highest document that protects our rights. Everyone considers the constitution as sacred and should be upheld at all times.

Unfortunately, our constitution has undergone so many changes since Merdeka that it is now barely recognisable. The people didn't do that. It was the government who altered it throughout the years to facilitate their strangle hold on power.

Sovereignty of the law – Kedaulatan Undang-undang

The political tsunami that hit the ruling party created so much instability amongst the parties in the ruling coalition that the government is on the brink of chaos.

On the other hand, we, the law-abiding citizens of Malaysia continue to go about our daily chores in peace. There are no nation-wide street riots. There is no anarchy. Although faced with rising fuel prices and its consequential hardships, the people of Malaysia still believe in the sovereignty of the law.

Good behaviour and morality – Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan

Politicians and leaders should lead by example and in order to do that, they should strive to be wholesome and pure. They should be hard working and be concerned about the welfare of the people. They should be free from corruption and nepotism.

However, just look at the names listed below. I shall not comment on what they did because the names speak for themselves.

Dr Chua Soi Lek, Zakaria Md. Deros, Rahim Noor, S Samy Vellu, Balkis, Persatuan Bunga Tanjung...

The prime minister should do his homework first before commenting on issues which are sensitive to the people's hearts. Charity begins at home, and so does cleaning your own compound.

People who stand up for their rights are not treacherous. Malaysians are, in fact, practicing the principles of the Rukunegara by voicing out their concerns for humanity, justice, equality and peace.

The prime minister should stand in front of a huge mirror and look at his own government first before accusing us of blemishing the nation's ideologies.