The Malaysian government has taken the position that we do not support separatist movements, with reference to the human tragedy at Pattani where more than 100 people were gunned down in a massacre.

Fine, if that is the official policy of the Malaysian government then so be it. However, doubts arise as to the honesty and true intention of our government. If we do not support minorities seeking secession, why did we then support East Timor's fight for independence?

If freedom is good for the East Timorese, why won't it be good for Pattani as well? Such glaring double standards and hypocrisy is exemplified by our government. It seems that our government is no more than a servant of Western interests as per our foreign policy.

We supposedly achieved independence in the year 1957, but our colonial masters still pull the strings and our leaders dance to them. I am not asking our government to wage an all-out war. What I am asking is for our federal government to adopt the minimum requirements of a sovereign nation and to be consistent in our handling of world affairs.

During the last Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) meet held in Putrajaya, our former prime minister was obvious in his remarks on Israel. But no criticism of the US can be afforded by our government even if such criticism is fully warranted and justified.

I believe it is time for Malaysians to grow up. We are middle-aged approaching 50, but still we behave like adolescents with no direction or any semblance of vision.

The last general election was testament to our immaturity. Malaysians were scared to vote for the opposition lest they be punished for exercising their democratic rights. It has become a well-known fact that the government is aware of who voted for whom and this has created a cloud of fear which perpetually looms over our heads.