Judging from the recent episodes appearing in the Malaysian headline such as the cases of Revathi, Shamala, M Moorthy, R Subashini and Lina Joy, perhaps Najib Razak's assertion that this is a Islamic state is not too far off.

Then there is the case of Malaysian artiste Siti Nor Idayu who was charged for exposing her body and encouraging immoral activities. Oh, and we should not forget the elderly (and immoral) American married couple who was raided by religious officers in the middle of the night in Langkawi on suspicion of 'khalwat' (unlawful close proximity').

Moral policing of society is condoned in Malaysia where enforcement officers can issue summonses for holding hands or hugging or kissing in a public park. So now, when the deputy prime minister of Malaysia says that this has always been an Islamic nation, is he exaggerating?

Is he playing a political game meant to woo the Muslim voters? Who knows, but his statement would have scared off a few interested investors who may now think twice about a long-term investment especially since images of moral policemen in blue robes from Afghanistan are still so fresh in the minds of many.

It is good that Najib, the deputy prime minister himself has clearly stated the Barisan Nasional's stand on this issue especially ahead of the upcoming general elections. The 'rakyat' are now aware of the BN agenda and its declaration that Malaysia is an Islamic nation.