In other times, other places, it was called by such names as "the Inquisition" or "the party line." In Malaysia it is called a "show cause letter." Anything which pulls back the curtain to show the maneuvering behind the scenes is enough to trigger a letter demanding to know why a contempt proceeding show not be convened to query the bold, innovative, creative or enterprising spirit.

The so-called Multi-media Super Corridor (MSC) being touted by Malaysia drags this anchor of oppression. Enormous sums have been spent on lawns, lakes and luxury in an attempt to attract the best minds to Malaysia. The chains are hidden. Openly the government says the internet is to remain free. Behind the scenes the letters are being written.

In Malaysia there is a novel online newspaper called Malaysiakini. It attempts to prove to the world that there is indeed freedom of the press on the internet. It strives daily to give its balanced and sane view of local events. Now Malaysiakini has received a show cause accusatory letter.

It might be expected that the ministers would curb this rabid dog who bites the leg of free thought. But no, they are silent. By this silence it must be assumed they assent. By assenting, they agree this attack on intellectual freedom is their policy. The ministers in their supreme counsel deliberations are thus the true tillers of this offensive thorn.

It will be expensive. They must know that this hypocrisy is visible to all. The people, hoping for some evidence that there is a shred of decency left in the Umno-BN party, try to believe that somewhere in the government is a person not totally subservient to a lower allegiance.

Their hope is that surely there must be intelligence somewhere to at last speak out in rescue of the fading light of democratic ideals. But the darkness deepens. The world, looking on as the curtain descends, is content to watch the brightness fade. Warned to stay back, to keep hands off the parental punishment being meted out, the United Nations shys from confrontation.

Every article which comes from the UN cries in condemnation, but the prohibition preventing "interference in internal affairs" allows the tyranny to thrive. In an age in which the world cannot allow boys to play with nuclear toys, the boys are allowed freedom to do as they please, the world be damned.

If there is a blanket condemnation of capitalism, it is in its acceptance of tyranny. So long as tyranny allows an arena for profitable operations, albeit on a profit-sharing basis, capitalism does not find tyranny unacceptable. It lacks ethics. It has no moral guidance.

In Malaysia it is a great irony that the government woos capitalistic enterprise while at the same time complaining of its greed and domination. Taking its money to pocket with one hand, while damning its purchases with a shaking fist. Offering golf courses and comfy condos while condoning the letter of contempt. Some see this as hypocrisy. By whatever name, it is still oppression, the triumph of a tiring tyrant, but not yet too tired to stretch for another throat to throttle.

Will the world watch with widening wonder as the widows weep? Who will voice dissent? Who will cry foul? Silence betokens assent. Active accord is taken as acquiescence. The cameras record the hugs of the dictators. It is a smothering bear hug for their people. Capitalists and free marketeers justify their participation by stressing it as a means of introducing democracy. Better to stay away.

Let the democracies either denounce and make sanction, or leave the scene. Exploiting low labour rates is a poor argument for supporting democratic principles. Foreign investment conditioned on a guarantee of a non-union workforce is not a contribution to any improvement of world social conditions.