FOREIGN MEDIA generally keep their hands off Malaysian news. Nevertheless, the recent views of a Malaysian doctor have travelled across mountains and oceans, making the country better known in so doing.

I'm not talking about the ethnic Chinese Muslim cleric Mohd Ridhuan Tee, whose teachings and coldhearted remarks you should squarely give a cold shoulder, for responding to his words would only make him gain in his arrogant disposition.

I'm talking about ecologist Dr VM Palaniappan, who came up with some "unusually brilliant" suggestions at a time Influenza A(H1N1) has wiped out a score of precious lives in this country.

He said to avoid A(H1N1), one should stay away from the acts of masturbation and same-sex relations.

He claimed that the increased body temperature owing to sexual behaviours and autoeroticism would expedite the release of acidic substances, thus making the body hyperacidic.

He said our immune system and resistance would be compromised if the body is too acidic, rendering us more vulnerable to flu viruses (heterosexuality spared).

It is up to you to choose to believe, or get amused or irritated by him.

But whatever it is, Palaniappan, an associate professor in ecology in Universiti Malaya, has been involved in ecological studies for so many years. While what he said may not become reality in the long run, it is by no means unfounded.

A "professional" view will tend to make the public believe in, rather than growing skeptical towards, its validity.

As a result, some of the most prevalent and universally accepted contemporary beliefs are at risk of being challenged.

For instance, in modern physiology and psychology, the erstwhile myth that masturbation is harmful to the body has been generally overturned, while counsellors have advised growing teens not to feel guilty of masturbation.

Public perception of homosexuality has also gradually changed from downright repulsion to recognition as an individual lifestyle option that is not excessively sinful.

That said, once masturbation and homosexuality get hooked to A(H1N1), thoughts going against popular beliefs will emerge, casting a shadow on the acts of masturbation and same-sex relations.

Public fears on A(H1N1) have spread to encompass day-to-day areas. While putting on face masks and diligently washing hands are perceived as good habits, masturbation and homosexuality could possibly become strong taboos.

Just because ordinary people are no experts, they will tend to believe in whatever the experts say.

But are the views of experts wholly scientific and flawless?

No answers at least for the time being. (By TAY TIAN YAN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)