Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong seems to extol himself as an expert in handling Muslim affairs and is a leading commentator in handling the Muslim population. Have his own Muslim citizens excelled themselves to the extent that he can now advise others on how to manage Muslims?

Surely someone must have briefed him on the social ills affecting his own Muslim community. If not, let me refresh his memory.

In terms of percentage against the national population, Singapore Muslims under his government now enjoy the highest divorce rate, make up the most number of inmates in both male and female prisons, are the largest group in all drug rehabilitation centres, have the highest unemployment and underemployment rate, comprise the biggest group in juvenile detention centres and have the lowest percentage of students' intake into local universities. But this is just a tip of the iceberg.

If left unattended, these social ills can breed terrorism or even agitate restless and frustrated minds into physical violence against the state.

The Singapore government's handling of these issue borders between imbecility and ludicrousness - such as appointing fellow Muslim citizens as stooges calling themselves 'Muslim leaders' and setting up government-controlled societies in the name of helping its citizens along racial lines. With one swoop, they have brushed it all under the carpet.

It is ironic Singapore claims to practice meritocracy when evidently this does not exist. Jobs in the local Straits Times blatantly seek Chinese-speaking applicants and virtually all matters dealing with government-related agencies require the applicant to declare his or her race, mother tongue and religion. Everything from applying for a driver's licence to running a public toilet.

The real issues affecting the Muslim community in Singapore are wider than perceived. The most crucial issue is to allow the Muslim community to join mainstream Singapore society by releasing the shackles of discrimination against them in employment and education - the very ingredients needed for the community to progress.

Singapore Muslims do not need special privileges or assistance - all they ask for is a level-playing field.