free The families who may have a grudge against Chin Peng may not even bother about this old man anymore as there are more important things in life than to take revenge on him.

On Najib: No homecoming for Chin Peng

Jegatheeswaran: It is rather funny. The Japanese killed many Malayans during the occupancy including thousands of fellow Malayan soldiers and colonial soldiers. The Japanese also made our monarchs to appear almost non-existent. They looted buildings, invaded premises and took whatever they wanted.

After all that, the first Matsushita company - MELCOM - was established in Malaysia in 1965 (20 years later). We even allowed their cars in. Later we signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi which gave birth to Proton. Even the ex-prime minister Mahathir said: "Look East", so that we can learn from the Japanese.

If we can forgive the Japanese who do not belong here, why can't we forgive our own people? Not forgiving is the same as invoking the confrontations of WW2. Even the Japanese government has forgiven the American government.

It was true what former PM Abdullah said: "We have first class infrastructure with third class mentality". Now we know what he was referring to.

Peter Ooi:

Why can't we be more magnanimous to an old man whose only wish is to die in his homeland? I am no supporter of Chin Peng but in fact am against him. The reasons given for denying him his last wish are outright flimsy and smack of hypocrisies.

This old man might have done lots of cruelties and many had suffered as a result. At this point in life, I am sure he must be brooding over his past and in all probability regretting over the mistakes.

Our leaders' reasons for denying his return is based on his cruel past. By the same token, why didn't they deny entry of the Japanese to this country? It is very well documented even more innocent people suffered more untold atrocities in the hands of the Japanese.

Similarly why are we so warm to the Chinese government? They supported Chin Peng in the campaign against us. We should not trade with them nor allow their citizens to come here at all.

In both of those two cases we are capable of overlooking the past and why not to this poor old man. Allowing Chin Peng to come home does not reflect the weakness of the government. Instead it would win more admiration both locally and abroad.

Peter Yew:

Unhappiness or fear? The threat of communism is long over and we are looking at an old man wanting to return from exile to die in his homeland. Are we a nation lacking in compassion? I do hope Najib will rethink over his heartless decision.

Do not speak on behalf of families who may have a grudge against Chin Peng. They may not even bother about this old man anymore as there are more important things to do in life than take revenge on him. I say this to those who refuse to let Chin Peng return: Get a life!

On Polis diRaja Malaysia on a rampage

Kimren: Looks like the top rungs in the Malaysian police are out to undermine the Barisan Nasional (BN) through the irrational and unfair application of force and laws on the opposition.

Earliar it was Syed Hamid Albar, which was very obvious. Now, not only is the police but also the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission are also eager to emulate the police.

This is surely putting nails into the coffin of BN during the next election. What a way to win the hearts and votes of non-BN supporters

On Why talented Malaysians have to leave

Hazel Sia: Well, maybe it is true that Malaysia is such an awful place that talented people like George Lee chose to leave. How patriotic of them to agonise over the deplorable state we live in here in Malaysia. However, whether it is two years or 20 years, all these Malaysian immigrants in Australia often felt they have "upgraded" and live in an almost heavenly place. Certainly it is their good fortune to find a better place to call "home".

As a Malaysian who chose to stay put (after years in different first-world cities and never taken up any offers of permanent resident or citizenship), I realise we can either choose to leave but shut up or stay put and make a difference. Be part of the solution, not complain about the problem. What is more hypocritical is the apparent "concern" for the state of affairs in their "former country" when none of these plight will affect them in any way.

Good luck, George, but we Malaysians don't need your sympathy and certainly we will continue to gather all our courage and wisdom (and talents) and work out solutions to our problems.

Also a talented Malaysian, proud of it and ready to serve my country.

On She set us up, claims PKR duo

A B Ipoh: The story about PKR's duo attempts at dissuading Aminah, the candidate for Penanti by-election, gives me the creeps. Firstly, PKR officials should have been wary about this woman's invitation, if at all it is true that an invitation was extended. Her purported recording of the conversation is typical of a planned entrapment. We have seen BN's style before in Perak.

Now that the Election Commission and MACC are getting involved, we can see a trend of how the BN could intend to usurp the people's choice again. Are we going to see a disqualified PKR candidate in Penanti once the election is over, assuming PKR wins? May seem far-fetched but the BN and cohorts in appointed places are very capable, so beware!

Ong: Nasaruddin, Anifah, Aminah, and God knows who else is next. When will Anwar and his PKR listen to Karpal Singh and Lim Kit Siang? Karpal Singh has voiced his opinion very clearly. No defections, just wait until the next general election and let the people decide.

On The death of a Penan mother

Simone:

I felt for the Penans and the injustice they faced. May the Lord, the creator, answers our prayers for vengeance is of the Lord.

On Conversion row: Mother gets visiting rights

Arbee: Under the Islamic belief system, as I understand it, the custody rights is as follow: If the child is below the age of seven, the mother has the legal rights to the child (in so far as if the mother calls for it).

If the child is above age seven, then the child is given the option to choose whether he or she prefers to be with the mother or with the daddy.

There may be other conditions pertaining to the mother and father that may be imposed by the Shariah Court, details of which is not under consideration here.

It is worth noting that this age limits mentioned above is solely applicable on the question of child custody in the event of a divorce situation.