From letters to the editor to columnist

New Straits Times

a day ago

In my lifelong relationship with the New Straits Times, one moment stands out — the day my first letter to the editor was published.
It was a modest two-column long piece, but it marked the beginning of a passion that would grow into a voice heard by thousands and eventually a career as a columnist.
As the NST approaches its 180th anniversary this month, I look back with fondness and pride at how the newspaper sowed the seeds of my writing journey.
The letter I wrote was a direct response to a controversial letter from a reader who identified himself as "Antirascal Muniandy", who had criticised the formation of Maika Holdings, a cooperative company.
I felt compelled to set the record straight and defend the cause. With the earnestness of a young writer eager to be heard, I penned my thoughts carefully, hoping to contribute constructively to the public discourse.
When that letter appeared in print, I felt indescribable joy. Seeing my words in the pages of a respected national newspaper was simply exhilarating, as if the paper had opened a door into a larger world for me. That moment ignited a fire within me. From then on, writing letters to the editor became a regular habit, a way to engage with issues close to the hearts of ordinary Malaysians.
Over the years, my letters grew in both size and impact. Some were even chosen as the Letter of the Day. I wrote on diverse topics, reflecting on the everyday realities and concerns of Malaysians: the potholes in our roads, malfunctioning traffic lights, poor waste management, unhygienic public toilets and the commendable service of both government and private sector staff.
I wrote about environmental issues such as river pollution, celebrated our sports heroes and discussed the importance of maintaining a culture of good governance and public service.
My letters were not just about pointing out problems, they were also about fostering awareness, encouraging solutions and celebrating the spirit of the Malaysian people.
The response from readers, friends, relatives and colleagues was heartwarming. I received numerous phone calls praising my ability to articulate issues clearly and thoughtfully, even when writing about seemingly small incidents.
One notable milestone came in 2001. The Research and Information Services Department of NST published my first article on management titled "Towards Organisational and Personal Excellence".
I still keep a compilation of most of my letters to the editor — an archive of my evolving voice and the issues that mattered to me and fellow citizens. Each letter is a reminder of the invaluable role NST played in shaping my thoughts. It was more than a newspaper; it was a mentor, a guide and a companion on my journey as a writer.
I owe much of my development to that first letter and the many that followed.
The newspaper's openness to readers' voices, its commitment to quality journalism and its role as a forum for public engagement created fertile ground for my growth. NST did not just report history — it made history by nurturing voices like mine, allowing ordinary citizens to contribute to the nation's narrative.
Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with gratitude. NST gave me more than just space to write; it gave me a purpose and a community. It taught me the power of words to inform, to challenge and to inspire.
As NST celebrates 180 years, I celebrate the countless stories it has told and the many lives it has touched, including mine.
This anniversary is not just a milestone for the newspaper; it is a celebration of the enduring relationship between a publication and its readers, a relationship built on trust, dialogue and shared dreams. For me, it all began with a simple two-column letter of hope, conviction and the desire to make a difference. From that letter grew a voice that continues to speak, thanks to the New Straits Times.