I read Lilian Tan's We have a cartoon government, folks with much concern. The fact that there seems to be no end to the issue of the caricature implicating Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). has certainly placed our government in a quandary.

To cheekily use the term 'freedom of expression' can at times cause more harm than good and with this experience we hope the arrogant Danish newspaper has learned. To ridicule the religion of another under the pretext of exercising one's freedom of expression is not just downright insensitive but is also a reflection of our intolerance of the religion over another.

As far as our government goes, it no doubt is perplexed with the attitude of the newspapers and television stations in going against the grain and 'reinforcing' the issue of the Danish cartoons. Just what are these newspapers and TV stations trying to achieve? Is it to boost the sales of their newspapers/viewership or to send a message to the 'powers-that-be' that 'freedom of expression' is their right?

Yes, there have been times when our government has failed to live up to public expectations and the recent price hike in petroleum prices is one such example. But to label the government as a 'cartoon' reflects on us. The voters should then shoulder the blame for our 'contribution' in putting in place such a government.

Let us stop the finger pointing and get down to making sure we all play our role in ensuring peace and harmony prevails in our country. And should we be ignorant of a religion, then it is best to leave it alone.