Apropos Abdul Ali Hadi's letter Malay language for Malay-land . I must say that I do sympathise with him although his approach to the matter has been arrogant and certainly foolish.

Just look at our unfortunate cousins across the causeway. Their national anthem is in Malay, their army commands are in Malay and their president lives in an 'Istana'. But the average non-Malay Singaporean can hardly put one sentence right in Malay. How comical they look!

Being right in the middle of the Malay archipelago and not being attuned to the Malay culture or the language. I felt so sad to see their First Lady dressed so shabbily in an ill-fitting Western dress when their president was on a state visit to Malaysia .

She would have looked resplendant in a baju kebaya/kurung, sari or even a cheong sam (minus the long slits on both sides of course!) Of course, Singapore leaders were never known for their sartorial tastes.They should learn from our leaders who are well-known for their penchant for Italian suits.

Abdul Hadi is right. Malay language must take precedence in Malaysia.We must ensure that the Malay culture, language and the sovereignity of the Malay sultans remain.The Baju Melayu could be worn by non-Malay males(a la Kavyeas!)

I am puzzled as to why our non-Malay leaders are reluctant to wear the 'songkok' during official swearing-in ceremonies or when having a royal audience.The songkok itself has no religious significance and in fact, it is Indian in origin (just go to Gujerat, India and see pious Hindus wearing the 'songkok').

I am further disillusioned when I come across young non-Malays not knowing how to say a decent sentence in Malay. In my clinical practice, on numerous occasions I have come across these young adults or even secondary school children telling me 'Saya Malayu (sic) tak tahu".

Many a time I was tempted to slap them on their faces and pointedly asking them what the hell were they doing in Malaysia, but the Hippocratic oath I took in medical school reminded me that I should always behave like a doctor even if, at times, I did not think like one.

Abdul Hadi must surely be glad to read what I have written about the importance of maintaining the predominance of the Malay language and culture which I believe must form the backbone of our national identity.

However, pre eminence of the language and culture should not mean continued special privileges for non-deserving Malays.The NEP needs a complete overhaul, make no bones about it.