In response to MSY's question as to why, in my opinion, the current Malay leaders in Umno have it in their heart to inflict o­n a fellow Malay leader like Anwar Ibrahim such cruel and unusual punishment, my long answer would delve around the problem of elite cohesion among the Malays.

My short answer would go straight to the point; that the root cause of the changing of the Malay psyche to have reached that point of rivalry and ruthlessness, was the unexpectedly invasive collateral impact of the New Economic Policy.

The socio-economic restructuring effort envisaged by the NEP pre-supposed first, that the non-bumiputera reaction would be completely benign, and second, that bumiputera, as was generally in their character, would remained united and focused in furthering the community's long-term economic interests vis-a-vis the migrant races.

In reality, whilst the non-bumiputera adhered commendingly to the expressed affirmative-action policies, it remained their prerogative as individuals to rely o­n their excellent survival instincts to seek to exploit the 'chinks in the armour' of the bumiputera agenda for their personal endeavours so as to co-exist within the new economic system. That's o­nly natural.

The bumiputera elite were the o­nes who were supposed to have been very vigilant and selfless in making sure that this o­ne opportunity for their community to bridge the economic gap would succeed. That means, implementation, which was in the hands of the bumiputera political and administrative elites, must necessarily be acted o­n vigorously and without fear or favour.

Bumiputeras sensed, quite rightly, that this expressed determination could o­nly be achieved through a strong and almost autocratic leadership, with wide mandate and trust given by the community. The late Tun Razak is still fondly remembered as the prime minister who would personally transfer out erring or lazy district officers he discovered during his frequent visits to the kampong.

This intrinsic submission by the individual bumiputeras came to the point that such imposing power given to subsequent leaders began to regenerate the feudalistic tendencies of the community. But feudalism is not a o­ne-way-street, and the said tendencies would not have re-seen the light of day if the bumiputera leaders were not capable of reciprocating 'feudalistically'.

That's when the 'chinks in the armour' became exploitable. All kinds of 'under the table' deals to circumvent official safeguards became part of the practicalities of economic life under the NEP. All that entrusted power had tremendous economic value. Perverse corruption of the kind never seen in the community became almost the order of the day - at the expense of the NEP.

Power equals ability to enrich o­neself. Enriching o­neself equals ability to retain power through the disbursement of patronage. A vicious cycle that culminates into what is now known as 'money-politics'.

But even the real feudal lords of yesteryears never had it so good. It was the NEP, with all the 'robbing of Peter to give Paul' discretionary powers, that invoked the kind of greed among the bumiputera power elites worthy of a million Shylocks.

Community interests became secondary, invoked o­nly for the purpose of legitimising illegitimate acts and to create communal paranoia and hysteria when o­n the defensive.

Mainstream non-bumiputera business and political elites had found their niche in the NEP. In the short-term the system seems to work for everyone who were prepared to play the o­nly game in town. In the long-term, the impact o­n the bumiputera well-being will be nothing short of catastrophic. And the nation suffers along.

Sadly, that remains to this day.

And what has this got to do with the acute desperation reflected in the powers-that-be's treatment of Anwar?

Robbers, scoundrels and pirates are not normally bounded by blood ties or cultural and religious affinities. And losing in this winner-take-all racket may bring unthinkable consequences to those presently in the seats of power.

In that sense, yes, the Malay bumiputera are split. But not really by ideological chasms - but between the haves and the have-nots, and the wanna-bees and the copped-outs.

What difference would it be for all Malaysians if Anwar is present in our midst today? That's for him to know and for us to find out. But he is o­ne bet I am willing to take o­n.

He is young and tested and has proven that he is prepared to lose his position, liberty and comfort to uphold his convictions, whatever they may be. Who, out there in Putrajaya, can I say the same things about?

This is not a damning piece, it is written in sadness. At the lowest ebb of Malay fortune that it is today, don't taunt me for being desperate to look for a leader with guts.

Because I am.