When one tells an obvious lie, it is not dangerous (as people will know it for what it is and laugh it off). When one tells a lie and mix it with part truth, it then becomes dangerous (for many will be confused and unable to separate the truth from the lie).

When a lie is mixed with half truth and is told like it is the truth and whole truth, then it becomes very dangerous (for many will be deceived and their thinking will be corrupted by the conclusion put forth).

However, when a lie is mixed with half truth and further mixed with stereo-typing (which is always half truth as all stereo-typing is - examples, Malays are lazy, Chinese are greedy, Europeans are war-mongers, Jews are clever, and so on), then it becomes most dangerous, for it incites the passion of others and raises their angst, fear, envy, jealousy, and other adverse emotions against the unfortunate target.

I do not have to tell you that our former premier, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is very good in the last category. The most recent example was his speech at the Organisation of Islamic Conference against the Jews.

A few months ago, at the Umno general assembly, it was the Europeans. Some time back it was education lobby group Suqiu who were on the receiving end when they were likened as communists. The Malays too received a tongue-lashing for apparently being "lazy".

On and on, he has been doing this throughout his political career. His inflammatory statement are famous. But the question is: Does it solve anything? No. Frequently, it only makes matter worse by inciting ill-will.

The BN government is very good at blaming others instead of rolling up its sleeves and getting on with solving the problems. Take a good look at our education system, our racial polarisation, our foreign policy, our corruption, our disputes with Singapore, our economic weaknesses, our failed privatisation projects, etc. Who takes up the blame? What is the truth behind all these problems?

Does anyone care to solve them? Why are we inciting ill feeling among the Jews and others in the world, when we have tons of our own problems to solve at home? Are we not worried about our economic competitiveness? Are we not worried about the education of our future generations? Are we not worried about unemployment at home?

Are we not worried about rising crimes in the country? Are we not worried about our national debts? Are we not worried about our oil and gas running out by 2020? Are we not worried about our rising food imports and bills? Are we not worried about racial polarisation in schools, universities, and work-places? Are we not worried about globalisation? Are we not worried about diminishing direct foreign investments?

We need friends in the world, not enemies. We need to solve problems, not create new ones. Playing to the gallery may give one a good feeling but is not a problem solver. It is time to use our limited resources prudently, rather than squandering them on projects that hardly brings any benefit to the poor in society.