I AM writing in response to last Friday's article, 'Empowering young Malay-Muslim girls'.

I am encouraged that some effort has been made to help Malay-Muslim girls and this is to be applauded. However, I am concerned that not much is done for Malay-Muslim boys. For one thing, I know not many students - both boys and girls - are aware of who their MP is, let alone his profession and background. However, the authorities have chosen to focus only on girls in their 'job shadow' programme.

As a former school teacher, I have observed first hand how unfocused and mischievous Malay-Muslim boys can be. Some are clearly rebellious and many of them prefer to hang out at shopping malls after school, become addicted to computer games and skateboard in unauthorised public places. Studying is not considered a boy's pursuit and is the last thing on their minds.

These boys need good role models to become responsible, well adjusted and educated adults. At the very least, the authorities should make the programme gender neutral so wayward Malay-Muslim boys will be given a chance to shadow male Muslim professionals.

On a higher level, I feel this lack of focus on Malay-Muslim boys and their studies has resulted in a wide gender gap between male and female Malay-Muslim graduates. It is also a case of double standards where it is considered regrettable if male Malay-Muslim graduates out-number females but a minor issue if the reverse is true. The authorities have yet to conduct a major study on this gender gap trend. Perhaps they could introduce a programme to encourage young Malay-Muslim men to pursue a university education.

I hope the Malay-Muslim authorities will look into these matters.

Sulthan Niaz

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 8 Dec, 2008.