On Friday night, I met American friends like Christopher and Kathryn again at an enjoyable BBQ hosted by them to keep in touch with Malaysian journalists and writers of all races. Meeting and talking to people, whether we agree with them on this or that issue or not, is (or ought to be) an essential part of the life of those who participate in public discourses.

By the way, no one has questioned the factual accuracy of my report in malaysiakini on the new US ambassador, James R. Keith (pix) who will arrive in Kuala Lumpur and assume duties in coming September.

In memory of my Jewish teacher Herb Feith