<B>?Controversies... the antidote for complacency and status quo?</B>

In your write up, entitled ?Under the influence? published in the edition of l?express of Thursday 7 August 2008 you drag my name and tag me as and, I quote ?controversial figures as Dharam Gokhool...?

Your point is that I am a controversial figure in government and I have, therefore, no business being in government.

Mr N. Rainer, do you know that the Education Sector is one of the most complex and most dynamic sector under constant public scrutiny ? Worldwide, almost all ministers of Education have to confront controversies if they have to do their job well. Do you mean to say that in a world where change is the only constant factor, I should have opted for complacency and status quo to please you and your paper ?

Controversy is the antidote for complacency and the status quo. My government was elected on a platform of change and we have to rock the boat or challenge certain sacred cows as often as is necessary. I am not here to please certain media people, cut-off from the ground realities.

I can assure you that I have developed sufficient immunity from your kind of criticism, leveled against me since 2005 from the cosiness and comfort of some editorial offices.

I like being where rubber meets the road. By the way, thanks for the inadvertent compliment that you have bestowed on me.

<B>Dharam GOKHOOL</B> <I>Minister</I>

<B>Our reply </B>

You?re welcome

Mr Gokhool. I?m not one to be stingy with compliments.

<B>Nicholas RAINER</B>