I refer to the Malaysiakini report 'Keling' blood: Utusan has immunity.

Tensions and sentiments are running high these days with racial issues being the main focus to disturb the people's feelings. The ‘racial game’ is seen to be played at a high level to cause great
anxiety and to distort the annals of history.

Ever since the ‘1Malaysia’ concept was introduced by the prime minister, its seems that there are forces within the government and outside who want to undermine and perhaps destroy it. We have, in fact, seen a rise in race-related issues after the prime minister had proudly proclaimed his ‘1Malaysia’ to the public.

This cosmopolitan nation was built on the blood, sweat and tears of everyone regardless of which ethnic group they belonged to. The nation can hold its head high in terms of progress and development because of its diversity in many ways.

Domestic ethnic and religious wars within many other nations abound in the world today and any right-thinking and peace-loving citizen of this country would want to avoid it at all costs. But sometimes, the political and dictatorial forces are too formidable to withstand any resistance to prevent these kind of occurrences.

If the BN government does not play an effective role in the preservation of peace and harmony, then all hell can break lose and cause irreparable devastation to life and property. Caution, not pretense, should prevail at all times to check and correct any situation that may get out of hand.

The BN government should not shirk its responsibility to ensure proper guidance and that conditions are always in place to keep the peace and order. These efforts should be seen to be fair and just and not cause any animosity.

If restraint cannot be exercised judiciously by all, there will always be room for racial slurs and innuendos to be thrown at each other at the slightest provocation. It is easy to attack a person's racial origin, characteristics and behaviour. All it takes is a spark to get the fire going.
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We must always be vigilant against undesirable elements out to stir up trouble and incite racial and religion tensions. These criminally-inclined persons must not get the impression that they can get away scot-free with causing undue anxiety and provocation brought about by their own words and deeds.

The nation is facing many pressing challenges today including trying to boost an already sluggish economy and to attract more foreign investment. All support should be focussed in this direction to help prevent the current rise in the cost of living which is a great burden on the poor whose wages have seen nil growth since the economic crisis began.

Racial issues will continue to arise even if everyone seemingly has his or her fair share. However, what is important for a country working towards a more developed and progressive status is to contain issues that can provoke a situation of racial hostility.

Hopefully, ‘1Malaysia’ moves in a very positive way to change the thinking of the people and unite all of us under one banner. This vision is not farfetched but can happen if we want it to happen; the choice remains in our hands to ponder.

Let us all give ‘1Malaysia’ a chance to work!