Outside of Saudi Arabia and one or two other Middle Eastern countries, social life for the urban Malay is arguably getting more stifling when compared to any other country.
Indonesians definitely have a better deal. Even Pakistan has a liberal arts and culture tradition and under its present leadership, is getting more progressive. How is it it has come to this in a multi-racial country like ours?
Let's start with the education system. Most students at the University of Malaya pursue Islamic studies (the figure I have is something like 10,000 out of a student population of 26,000). Where do they end up?
No doubt as Jawi officers or in other parts of the civil administration.
What is most disappointing in the case of the recent Jawi raid is the almost total silence form the political leadership. The non-Malay minister will not open his mouth, rationalising to himself that it is not his business.
But for the prime minister and the younger Malay ministers to keep quiet is a real shame.
I never thought I would say it but I will - bring back Dr M!