WE ARE at the dawn of a new centuryas we celebrate our independence.

                  Forty-two years ago, we were freed from colonialism but our independence was
                  put on trial two years ago.

                  This time, we were almost forced into "slavery" again to more powerful countries
                  wielding the economic axe.

                  We were fortunate that we have a charismatic leader who is bold and daring
                  enough to dream, to keep us as a free country and to create a system where
                  we are free to manage our country, free to make our own decisions, free to
                  choose our leaders and free to live as we desire. But the status quo is being
                  threatened.

                  The younger generation is using radical means to demand that their rights be
                  heard.

                  Voicing discontent by taking to the streets, being anti-establishment and
                  demanding justice is not the way for youths to become future leaders.

                  This is the time for us to be united as we march forward.

                  We are now living in a borderless world and we know the importance of
                  information technology as the new driver of growth.

                  How we source, manage, analyse, use and distribute information will be the key
                  to success in future.

                  Are we prepared or are we standing still as the world moves on?

                  The Multimedia Super Corridor, Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, KLIA and other projects
                  are part of the masterplan for Malaysia's success.

                  It is up to the younger generation to decide how to use them. Instead of asking
                  what the country has or has not done for us and demanding justice and
                  reforms, we should ask ourselves what we can do help the country.

                  We should make use of every opportunity to develop ourselves in every aspect
                  and contribute to our family and our multi-cultural society so that we can be
                  proud to be known as Malaysians and show the world our "can-do" spirit that
                  enables us to soar to greater heights.

                  S.D. LINGAM, Kuala Lumpur writes (via e-mail)