Someone should remind Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar (see ISA could have prevented Bali tragedy, says Syed Hamid) that terrorism is not just about bombings that kill the innocents. It is also about robbing innocent people of their liberty without just and proven cause.

Sadly there is no subjective ranking in the inane content of terrorism. Citizens are not compelled to have to choose between a 'lesser' form of terrorism and a 'worse' one. There is no such distinction in a civilised society, as Syed Hamid would have us believe otherwise.

To protect society from terrorism by committing another act of terrorism on someone else is self-serving rationalisation at its worst, just as rape committed during our watch remains a despicable act irrespective of the victim's nationality. Concern and sympathy is warranted and due, no matter which quarter it comes from, and merits no apology.

Syed Hamid's fatuous remarks in the last couple of days is symptomatic of politics without principles. What has been a national phenomenon is now rearing its sleazy head at our diplomatic front. If this trend continues, soon our leaders will be fashionably shedding crocodile tears at the rostrums of international forums.