While the Barisan Nasional (BN) government perseveres in its policy of dealing with most internal criticism by lying, denying or 'shooting the messenger', there are small signs of its becoming slightly more responsive to international pressure.

After the prime minister pledged last month not to indiscriminately approve logging licences, citing a pious and previously well-concealed concern for endangered species and tribal communities, the deputy prime minister revealed the real rationale behind the move.

"At the international level, illegal logging portrays a negative image of our country," AFP quoted him as saying.