IT takes a lot of guts to admit one has failed. This is especially so when one is torn between personal conviction and that of the organisation that one belongs to, especially in matters of public interest. So when one reads headlines such as "My failed mission — by Shahrir" (NST, May 6), one can almost feel the deep pain it entails. It is best described by the Malay proverb luah mati emak, telan mati bapa — there is never an easy choice. But for those who want to walk the talk with a clean conscience, somehow the option is clear, particularly when it relates to the question of ethics, integrity, and ultimately, trust. After all, trust is an allimportant building block that cements relationships, be it between individuals and institutions, more so between those who govern and those governed. Of late, the latter in the various government agencies have been at the receiving end.