FEB 17 — To reason with people like Hew Kuan Yau is, more likely than not, a futile attempt.

That said, I still believe rationality should prevail among civilised individuals, not abusive or violent language.

Moreover, he has a doctorate preceding his name, and I must at least give due respect to this address that represents human civilisation.

Sure enough, I do not have to specify Hew Kuan Yau, hinting instead “an eloquent speaker from some opposition party” and see who would fit into that description. Just like when Hew accused the reporters of collaborating with the ruling coalition, he did not specify any reporter from any Chinese newspaper.

Such an erratic approach in reasoning could at best fiddle with kids but grossly unsuited for modern-day politics.

So, we should talk sensibly instead of playing a hide-and-seek game of logic.

Hew later said he was apologetic if his revelation of truth had caused a storm in the teacup.

Well, you don’t actually have to humble yourself this way, Hew. If what you have said is true, even though it has caused a violent tempest or tsunami, you do not owe anyone an apology.

Debating public issues is not a word game or a trick to win the favour of anyone. We are only concerned how much truth, if any, has been uttered.

Hew accused many reporters of collaborating with the Barisan Nasional, willing to stoop so low as to please their local leaders.

If it is true there are really so many reporters that have some indecent interest exchanges with the ruling coalition, I would truly appreciate a timely reminder from this gentleman.

Having served in the journalistic industry for well over two decades, I can assure Hew that such things are a serious taboo; that absolutely no reporters are allowed to put their hands into.

In Sin Chew Daily, for instance, any reporter accepting any form of gratuity from any political party, be it ang pows or other interests, will have to face disciplinary actions that could culminate in his or her dismissal if such indecency is proven.

This is meant to preserve the unbiased and objective principle demanded of the journalistic profession.

However, if the reporters maintain regular relationships with politicians, both from the ruling coalition and the opposition pact, establish effective communication channels in a bid to conveniently acquire information from them, such acts should never be construed as “indecent collaboration.”

We do not rule out the possibility of a handful of black sheep in our midst, but if Hew is able to produce sufficient information and evidence, I am sure newspaper companies are more than willing to seriously look into them and act.

Nevertheless, if the accusation has been made simply out of prejudice, we may have to get Hew to clarify in a more responsible manner.

It is utterly unnecessary for rookie politicians to assume the role of victims, portraying the media as prosecutors in a bid to win the sympathy of the public.

Such lowly political tricks will not help enhance their personal growths nor tone up their parties.

I am more impressed by the sincerity and unpretentiousness of people like Lim Kit Siang, Chen Man Hin, Karpal Singh and Lim Guan Eng.

Learn from these veteran DAP leaders, Hew! — mysinchew.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.