One wonders what ordinary Malays think of people like the Rural and Regional Development Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob. He, like other Umno Baru politicians claim to protect the Malays. Instead of striving for excellence, Ismail pushes Malays in the race to attain rock-bottom standards.

He puts Malay youth at a disadvantage. He lowers standards so that Malays are not prepared for the real world of business. He does not allow the Malay mind to be stretched. All he does is to damn their future.

Early last month, Ismail suggested that the burden of bumiputera businessmen be reduced. He wanted Malay-owned businesses to be excluded from the strict requirements for obtaining a halal certificate.