Why Has The Internal Security Ministry Banned Islamic State Debate in The Media?

So the Internal Security Ministry has seen fit to jump into the fray, ostensibly to 'calm' things down the only way it knows - by issuing orders! According to Malaysiakini, the above ministry has 'confirmed that they have given a directive to all mainstream media not to publish any news on the issue of Malaysia being an Islamic state'.

One of the religious cell pegawai in the ministry going by the name of Che Din Yusof claimed that the matter is 'sensitive' (the usual excuse) and can cause 'tension' (another famous last word on any issue) in Malaysia.

This all-encompassing perintah also prohibits the publication of any dissenting views which may be expressed by members of the Barisan 'family' like the one yesterday by the usually reticent 'foster-brother', MCA.

Now what could have prompted the ministry to issue such a directive so speedily? All the reasons given by the kementerian's religious underling, Che Din, are known excuses which are convenient as much as they are lame. Just because the matter is reported in the media doesn't mean that there is going to be a jihad between believers and the kaffirs. The ministry's opinion regarding 'tension' and 'sensitive issue' are purely expedient at best and serves to solidify the 'sweep under the carpet' mentality.

One possible reason for the publicity clampdown could be of course the rumoured looming general elections and the price which Umno may have to pay for this and other perceived slights towards the non-Malays. While Najib's statements may have been welcomed by the Malays in general it is not a particularly pivotal, super-important issue which will convince those opposition-voting Malays to change track. Many, many Malays can see through all the sandiwara played by these leaders. However these are the kind of 'shocks' which the non-Malays would not easily forget (and there have been many 'jolts' under this administration) and the majority of them who all this while had grudgingly voted BN may decide that it is time for someone else to lead the nation even if it is PAS.

A ban order like this one would also be convenient for gutless BN component parties as they can always turn around to their followers and say, "we did object to Najib's claim but it was not published." Good for them isn't it?

But above all could it be that the Internal Security Ministry is in an unholy hurry to put a lid on these discussions because of the obviously preposterous and legally untenable premise on which the DPM based his arguments and as a result is injuring his own standing, credibility and reputation apart from hurting the sentiments of an already nervous electorate? And therefore is the directive merely a damage control exercise and effort on behalf of Najib?
Image - Source