It is not right for ES Tan to liken the demolishing of the Sky Kingdom commune by our authorities to that of the action of the Talibans in destroying the Bamiyan Buddhas.

I am no fan at all of the Talibans and similar extremist organisations but fair is fair. We may consider the statues they destroyed as a work of art or world heritage or whatever, but the Talibans found it offensive.

In spite of that, they still would not have touched it if there were practising Buddhists in surrounding areas who were still worshiping it. Even if there had been a single Buddhist living in the vicinity, the Talibans would have accorded him his rights which God has guaranteed in the Holy Koran.

But there were none. Let's say we move into a vacated building to turn it into a kindergarten. That building had been previously occupied by ultra-liberal artists who painted artistically tasteful nude pictures on the walls, some of which depict educational scenes in the art of lovemaking.

Don't we have the right to repaint the walls at the expense of destroying great works of arts?

The action by our authorities with regard to the Sky Kingdom commune however, is downright arrogant and draconian and a blatant violation of basic human rights.

No sir, do not liken our authorities to the Talibans. It's a disgrace to the Talibans.