I refer to Fathi Aris Omar's article, 'Anwarisme lawan Mahathirisme di kampus'. It is not my intention here to dwell on the political aspects of this article.

But as a physicist, I would like to point out that there is no such thing as an 'Islamic Science' just as there is no such thing as a 'Confucian science'. Modern science as we know it today is value neutral.

What has Islamism got to do with the laws of Quantum Physics? Nothing! Those who claim that science is not value neutral and that it is coloured by culture and religion are really making excuses for the mediocrity of science in their own country.

It is when one cannot produce good science accepted by the scientific community at large, that one indulges in wishful thinking along the lines of an "Islamic science".

What I say may be hurtful to some, but I would like to see scientific discourse in Malaysia square up to the rigorous international standards set by say, Singapore-based World Scientific.

I hope to see Malaysian scientists publish in recognised and reputable international journals - instead of wasting their time in fantasy land. Publish or be damned!