I have received messages from friends in the US mainly those who have actually spent time in Malaysia, expressing their concerns that at least one of those shunned by PUM is getting too much publicity about attacks by the ulama (Muslim scholars) on her.

This has given the impression to human rights activists that this person is being persecuted ala Salman Rushdie back home in Malaysia.

There is also one other person from this jet-setting group who is talking in the same mode - persecution by the ulama in her speeches abroad before the PUM complaints.

These speeches and the continued PUM's quixotic struggle only serve to glorify these persons abroad as opposed to addressing the issues we have to tackle on the home ground.

The 'West' can be pretty naive about this. You cannot blame them especially after the links made between Islam and terrorism. Speakers against 'fundamentalist Islam' are easily given international acclaim and funding.

These impressions of the vile ulama and mullah in our midst are not correct of course. We do not have with us the stone-throwing ulama or the 'militant ulama ' taking law into their own hands or making fatwas with agendas to murder.

The ulama and supporters should pull back from their plans to secure prosecution as this is the ammunition giving these speakers grandiose and misplaced ideas about their continued 'religious persecution' in forums abroad.

There are more important issues on Islam and democracy than a couple of individuals.