It has been 48 years since Independence and there are still parties who debate the authenticity of the tolerance practised amongst various races in this country.

Of late, there was the suggestion by the Bukit Mertajam Umno Division chief Musa Sheikh Fadzir to rotate the Penang chief minister's post between the Barisan Nasional component parties, viz. Umno, MCA and Gerakan.

He further mentioned that if the rotation system could be implemented in Sabah, there was no reason why it could not be implemented in Penang.

Perhaps the impetus for this suggestion was his frustration that many Malay entrepreneurs are unable to get contracts from factories in the state because of the lack of opportunities. One can clearly share his sentiments especially if it was expressed out of good will.

Nevertheless, to make such a suggestion is rather selfish in itself and ignorant of the fact that Malaysia is a multiracial society. At first glance, it is true that there is no reason why the rotation system could not be implemented in Penang as it was in Sabah.

But before making any conclusive statements, we have to understand that there was once a social contract made between the BN component parties on this issue. The reasons for this agreement need to be understood clearly as well.

If Musa's intention for the rotation system is to prove the tolerance and understanding that exists between BN component parties, then we would also suggest that the rotation system be implemented in all the other states.

If it could be implemented in Sabah (Musa's reasoning), then we also do not see the reason why it could not be implemented in Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and so forth.

After all, it is made on the pretext of proving tolerance and understanding between BN component parties.