One would think that our government would have learnt a thing or two by now about image building. Rule No.1: You don't say something and then contradict yourself by doing just the exact opposite.

By doing so, you cancel out whatever credibility you have and it's harder for anyone to trust you or take you seriously afterwards.

Which is exactly what has happened with this Ayah Pin scenario . Since Sept 11, Malaysia has seized every opportunity to portray itself to the world as a tolerant, modern Islamic nation.

Unfortunately, action speaks louder than words. The harassment of Ayah Pin and his flock and the tacit condoning of violence perpetrated against this peaceful commune just goes to show the world that Malaysia is almost as repressive as some of the scarier Islamic nations around the world.

It shows that the Malaysian government is a two-faced government which clamors for good press and yet does not have the guts to stand up to the country's extremist opinion leaders who want to promote Islam at the expense of other people's rights and liberties.

Seriously, you cannot have your cake and eat it, fellas. Nobody is dumb as to be fooled by such blatant doublespeak. As sure as you can't keep saying that this country gives everyone the freedom of religion and then charge Malays who renounce Islam.