Many controversies have recently emerged with local politicians getting all hyped up and pumped up with affairs related to or happening in Singapore.

Some examples:

DAP national deputy chairman Karpal Singh calling on the Singapore government not to be insensitive to the rights and feelings of its Muslim citizens in the New Straits Times (Feb 5) report, DAP urges Singapore to rescind school tudung ban.

Retired Malaysian army general Zaini Mohamed Said saying that the dispute over water supply is the 'most serious' among potential regional threats to Malaysia, as it could lead to a military conflict with Singapore in Straits Times (Feb 4), Water dispute can lead to war: Ex-general.

To all these I say we should first sweep our own backyard before we take the broom to our neighbours.

Malaysia is a multiracial country that purports to be tolerant of racial and religious practices, but many examples show otherwise.

The banning of all religious — except for Muslims — worship services within army camps. This ban, authored by retired army general Zaini Mohamed Said, is especially significant, when taking into consideration the number of Iban soldiers of Christian faith, who by virtue of their origins, enjoy bumiputra status and thus, are entitled to special privileges as accorded by the constitution.

They are now denied the right to hold services in their family quarters, which has been done for decades. As army camps are usually isolated and far away from local community churches, the Christian soldiers are unable to send their children to attend Sunday services or Sunday school.

Zaini, in his orders, says that there should be limits to what religious minorities should be allowed, though freedom of worship is enshrined in the nation's constitution. Shouldnt we fight for minorities rights on the home ground first before we tell other countries how to treat their own minorities?

Zaini also talks of a war threat with Singapore over the water issue. We may think we have a hold over Singapore but dont we realise that Singapore has a more formidable weapon.

It is common knowledge that Singapore is the regional superpower, not only militarily but also economically, despite it being just a tiny island state. If it were to unplug its investments, it could hurt industries in Malaysia and other neighbouring countries.

To top it, Singapore also has a powerful ally. Under threats of war, all it has to do is dial 911 and Uncle Sam will come running ... so lets water down our war rhetoric.