The policy to bar foreign models, if I recall correctly, has been in effect for quite some time. This followed complaints from the local advertising agencies that foreign advertising agencies were muscling in, thus affecting their business and not allowing them to develop and grow. It had nothing to do with looks, race or inferiority complex.

Deputy Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin, being as uninformed as he is, dramatised the ban by saying all those stupid things. However, I was not taken aback with his latest guffaw because he is known for such outbursts.

He paid dearly many years ago when he accused Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad of preferring to speak in English, not Malay. Zam was immediately cold-storaged and sent overseas to do a course. He was 'rehabilitated' only when he wrote a book praising his boss sky-high. He succeeded in catching Mahathir's eye, and after everything was forgiven, he was appointed to several posts, the latest of which is that of deputy minister.

He is now the chief spin-doctor, weaving 'serials' on PAS, its leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat, Sik and other propaganda. In top Umno circles, he is not taken seriously, but he is as happy as can be because he knows what it's like to be on the outside looking in, and thus would do anything to retain his position.

That is why they treat his comments with amusement and do not give much weight to what he says. Just like the way emperors treat their court jesters in days of old. So we should not get so worked up with his foolery. Just understand that he is just trying to earn a living in the way he knows best.