I would like to laud Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's decision to maintain the existing hiring policy of foreign domestic workers - non-Muslim employers can continue to hire Muslim domestic help.

This is illustrative of his leadership. I am sure that by coming to this decision, he must have considered the views of the people and, more importantly, the economic and social consequences that a law of this nature would have o­n the country.

In the light of recent criticism by the Reporters sans Frontier (Reporters Without Borders) and European Union o­n press freedom and human rights, it is encouraging to see a leader who is sensitive to the views of the minorities in the country.

This is unlike some ministers who make decisions without getting the necessarily feedback or advice, and when the result prove to be disastrous, tries to cover it up. Sadly, this is mistaken as leadership quality.