The article presents a carefully constructed narrative of political expediency rather than genuine ideological shift. The “steelman” version – that the government is simply maintaining Malay-Muslim legitimacy – is almost certainly incomplete. The sheer breadth of actions, from seemingly minor cancellations to significant police raids, suggests a deeper strategy of signaling resolve and reinforcing conservative values, not merely a tactical retreat. This taps into a classic “motte-and-bailey” ta...