The discussion on the definition on the concept of 'bumiputera' seems to be yielding some hitherto unexplored areas in Umno's divide-and-rule policy. B Singh's insights are particularly helpful.

It is now quite clear that Malaysians are first and foremost divided between 'bumiputera' (Malay Muslims) and 'non-bumiputera' (non-Muslim Chinese and Indians as well as, surprisingly, Indian Muslims whose forefathers first brought Islam to the Malays).

Then, 'bumiputera' itself split into first class (Malay Muslims), second class (Orang Asli, Ibans, Kadazans, etc. who are Muslims) and the third class (Orang Asli, Thai, Portuguese, Ibans and Kadazans, etc who are non-Muslims).

Also, the theoretical first-class 'bumiputera' is then further divided between leaders, members and supporters of Umno on one hand, and those of PAS, Keadilan and other dissidents on the other who oppose to Umno's ideology and policies.

Given these medieval classifications and man-made divisions of human beings, can we still call Malaysia a modern or even 'Islamic state'?