It is indeed shocking how certain sections of society have been shamelessly using race and religion to further their own political motives.

Utusan Malaysia on Wednesday called on the Malays to arise. While there is nothing wrong in calling for an awakening it must be understood that the term ‘arise' or ‘awake' can mean many things and could be misinterpreted or misconstrued. As a newspaper, they must err on the side of caution. What they said could very well be seditious and could even constitute incitement - both of which are crimes.

The call for the certain communities to take a harder and more stubborn stand has only grown more vociferous ever since the last general election. What was supposed to be seen as a triumph of democracy - not so much because the BN was humbled but more due to the fact that Malaysians were able to cast their votes and make a decision without fear or favour - has now become a tragic indictment of the loss of power by the ruling elite.

The blame for this loss has been leveled against the non-Malays with many even going to the extent of claiming that the Chinese and Indians have been ‘ungrateful' or ‘unappreciative'.

After the election we had the Malacca Chief Minister, Ali Rustam calling for the non-Malays to be punished because by voting for the opposition they had been ‘treacherous' and had forgotten Umno's willingness to grant non-Malays citizenship before and after Merdeka. While the remark was utterly irresponsible; it was also against the spirit of the so-called ‘social contract'. I wonder why no action was taken?

Then we had Ahmad Ismail of Penang calling the Chinese ‘pendatang' as though the non-Malays has just fallen of the boat and arrived at the shores Malaysia. When he was onfronted, the usual melee and distortions began. He accused the non-Malays of challenging Malays rights and created a whole racial issue out of his own indiscretion. There was never any attempt to question the special position of the Malays which is entrenched in our constitution but Ahmad Ismail decided to make it one for his own selfish gain.

Again, nothing more than meek action was taken by Umno. The police have yet to charge Ahmad Ismail (even though it is my personal belief that everyone must be allowed to freely express themselves). The reporter who reported the comments was detained under the draconian ISA, laughably for ‘her own safety' and that justification by former Home Minister, Syed Hamid Albar was one of the lowest points in Malaysian politics.

Then we had Bukit Gantang where again divisive issues were driven to the hilt once again all for a victory. The social fabric of the nation was not appreciated nor was it respected. For some, the quest of victory somehow validates every tactic no matter the consequences.

I am indeed shocked that certain sections of Malaysia have been allowed to act with complete impunity and in complete disregard of the constitution, the laws of the land and the due process of law.

The quest for a democratic, just and equitable Malaysia is a non-racial struggle that pervades all sections of society. It crosses boundaries and it breaches cordons. It is a sincere attempt for a new and better Malaysia.

As I have said previously, there is nothing Malay, Chinese or Indians about it. The hopes for a better Malaysia and the aspirations for an equitable Malaysia should not be the agenda of any one party. In fact, it should be the agenda of everyone who wishes to see Malaysia forge forward raging with confidence and self respect.

The mutual respect that has long dictated our actions seems to have evaporated. Every time a reasonable demand is made that some cannot stomach purely because it contravenes the politics of divide and rule, we stand accused of challenging the set desideratum this nation was founded upon.

The precepts of governance no longer reflect the needs and the wants of Malaysians and that is why the BN has been humbled again and again.

This constant talk on who is the master and who is the slave no longer makes sense because our constitution has already insulated the majority and their position through constitutional guarantees.

As such, we cannot allow irresponsible leaders like Ibrahim Ali - who is a political has-been - to thump his chest like a wild being and posture when it comes to race and religion. Everyone (including myself, a Malaysian who also happens to be of Indian origin) has feelings and we are hurt when we are wrongly accused of questioning the ethos of this nation. We, too, are people of faith and beliefs, and the need for mutual respect has never been more important.

What was supposed to be the reinforcement of our democratic preponderance has become nothing short of a charade with everyone trying to define Malaysia's political awakening for their own demented ends.

Our Prime Minister, Najib Abdul Razak only yesterday implored all Malaysian to abandon the ‘ethnic silo' mentality and has asked that we ‘stand together, think and act as one people under the One Malaysia concept.'

However, it seems members of his own party and even newspapers related to his party are unwilling to heed his advice, so are we Malaysians to take it seriously? Stern and decisive action must be taken against those who incite; imbue hate and use religion as political tools to divide Malaysians.

Again, lessons can be drawn and examples can be quoted. The obsession with ethnicity and race will be our own undoing. What we fail to understand is that the country is big enough for every Malaysian.

The absence of healthy discourse and intellectual discussion has resulted in the impasse we find ourselves in; the failure to promote discussion and understanding has created the silo mentality that Najib is trying so hard to overcome.

When Ngo Kor Ming of Perak recited a number of verses from the Holy Quran, he was castigated by those who felt he was belittling Islam. This is a ripe example of the lack of tolerance and understanding that has come to define ethnic relations in Malaysia.

I would be proud if anyone were to recite a verse from my own religious scriptures at it shows his appreciation and his endorsement of what he is reciting; in fact this is what Tok Guru Nik Aziz said when he wrote an eloquent letter lamenting the controversy surrounding Nga.

So we must not be afraid to discuss and debate, it will only refine our thoughts. However the precursor of any discussion must be mutual respect and understanding. We must make an attempt to belittle anyone but it should be an opportunity to enhance the one's understanding and knowledge.

Only through discussion and discourse can we create the form of understanding and respect that will be the solid base of unity. Which such an ebullient foundation, it will be almost impossible to rock the boat.

The credibility of this government hinges on its ability to do what the previous government failed. They must see through the reforms and changes that have been pledged. Again, soaring rhetoric will not carry the day as Malaysians have grown more critical and discerning and will unlikely be swayed by comforting words or indulging promises.

Malaysians want action. It is not an unreasonable request, in fact it is what governments' are suppose to do: to act in the best interest of your people. The question of being thankful does not arise at all. However, if they do a good job then reasons to vote them out will obviously be scarce.

It is most unwise for leaders to ask for the people to be grateful for what has been done because governance is about service. In fact the leaders are the ones who should be grateful to the people for electing them and ‘allowing' them to serve.

If leaders had used their own personal savings to fund development projects or allocations to schools, then maybe the question of being grateful arises. However the funds allocated is the money of the rakyat. So the question of being grateful does not arise at all because the in the end of the day, it is our own money.

It is the duty of all governments to ensure that the people enjoy development and progression. However that is not the sole reason why governments remain in power. Governments remain in power because they are fair, just and equitable in their policies and actions. Again, the developmental credentials of every government no matter how sound do not give them to right to tell their people how to think or vote.

Just ask John Howard, the former Australian Prime Minister; he ran a relatively clean and successful administration but again he lost because the people felt he did not listen to them and supported American polices that was anathema to most Australians. He not only lost an election but he lost his own seat in the Australian Parliament as well.

It is now up to us, the average Malaysians who still have the luxury of thought and who are still able to discern between right and wrong; logic and illogic; truth and lies-to take a stand against the politics of race, division and hate.

We are all children of God and while we may not be homogenous in our ways and beliefs, we are all Malaysian. So please stop threatening and harming our social fabric. Let's start by respecting one another and appreciating our diversity.