I refer to the malaysiakini report PM: Yes we ARE an Islamic state.

Amazingly, our pendulous leaders are at it again, flip-flopping on the issue of secularism overnight. How could the top leader change positions so easily, with practically no compunction at all?

If one does not have a stand, never pretend to take a stand. If one is strongly committed to a conviction, then hold it dear to one's heart and defend it without fear or prejudice. A genuine leader is supposed to be above politics, minding his words and abiding by them.

Having monitored the progress of our country ever since the British flag was lowered 50 years ago, I must say that we are growing more and more materialistic (some have become super wealthy) at the great expense of moral enrichment.

Religion and ethnicity continue to be the ugly predicaments, menacing the peace and harmony of our once beautiful nation.

Capable leaders are indeed hard to come by. Perhaps with the strike of the bell at 12 midnight last Thursday ushering in the golden jubilee celebrations, our leaders would have been awakened, and hopefully enlightened too.

Fifty years on, I still wish my country well, albeit with deep reservations.