Kuala Lampur, Aug. 26 -- One annoying new Malaysian catchphrase is acah woke (thinking you're "woke") that is often used to gaslight discussions about things seen as problematic now when they weren't before.

Oh, you think catcalling is sexual harassment and not just paying a compliment? Acah woke.

You think it's unacceptable to use other races' cultural costumes for commercial purposes without actually hiring them? Acah woke.

You're saying that using the word "triggered" as an insult is unacceptable? Acah woke.

I'm thinking about the recent social media kerfuffle where an Indian woman expressed her unhappiness at a non-Indian dressing in desi manner - complete with nose ring - all for a contact lens ad.

Many Malaysians of an older ge...