I was at Jawi sometime back to interview a Ustaz Hafizan, who's doing good work with people of the street, when like all conversations, the subject turned to Islam and Muslims in 21st century Malaysia.

"What do you mean when you say that Jawi (and religious authorities) are no longer relevant to Malaysia?" he asked, incredulously.

"I didn't say that. I said the approach used by certain religious organisations is no longer relevant. In my humble and uneducated opinion- lah . What may have worked before, does not work now. The Muslims are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach to their religion. They read; they go for religious classes and talks conducted by learned people, and unlike before when the word of a religious personage would have frightened the community, now people want reasons. Answers. Example by leadership. Scare tactics don't work anymore."

He frowned and began scribbling notes in his notebook.