On Nov 19, Radio Singapore International (RSI) reported in its evening news bulletin, criticisms by the Bangkok Post newspaper that Malaysian leaders, including those in the opposition, had failed to condemn Muslim violence in south Thailand although they had voiced concern regarding the drastic measures employed by the Thai government in its attempts to quell protests by Southern Thai Muslims, resulting in the deaths of 87 people in late October.

While the Malaysian government as well as the opposition seem to prefer the 'softly, softly' approach to the southern Thai problem to keep the ear of the Thai government and the Muslim community, it should be remembered that the onus of resolving the problem peacefully lies with the Thai government which has the complete authority to do so.

However, if the Malaysian government wants to play the role of mediator between south Thailand's troubled Muslim community and the Thaksin administration, it should perhaps, openly declare itself for peaceful means by condemning violence altogether in southern Thailand - no matter who perpetrates it.

Muslim opposition leaders who desire making a constructive contribution to resolve the problem should not use the issue and the suffering of people from both the southern Thai Muslim and Buddhist communities as party political propaganda to add fuel to the already raging fire.

Using this issue as political fodder only worsens the situation. Not for those making these statements or the Thai government but for those directly affected by these dangerous political games - the victims, the people of Narathiwat, Tak Bai, Pattani etc., who live and continue to live where the trouble is stirred up.

Ultimately, it will only be a pyrrhic victory for whichever side claims it, as all parties are losers in a war.