Racism exists in all societies against 'the others'. It is only right those being discriminated against voice out their grievances effectively in order to make them known.

I always treat my countrymen as a reasonable lot who can be taught how to live with one another in a more receptive way rather than viewing each other as an imaginary enemy. We are one country, one nation and despite diversity, a country that can do without separate nationalisms and tribalism. Separate nationalisms would eventually divide the country.

After 50 years of independence, it is shameful for us to allow race-based parties like the Umno, MCA and MIC to exist. Even the all-white Nationalist Party of South Africa opened up its doors to all South Africans in the early 1900s.What is Umno and its BN component parties waiting for?

Many feel hopeless about Pak Lah transforming the country. He allows Umno assemblies to be telecast live while banning live telecasts of parliamentary debates. He allows Umno delegates to harp on racial issues and make inflammatory statements but clamps down on those who would like to rebut the racist remarks made by Umno delegates themselves.

Despite all the fiery statements made by Umno delegates, racism is only a cover up for Umno's weaknesses namely cronyism, nepotism and corruption. It only makes us wonder where the Umno-dominated Barisan Nasional is taking us.