I refer to the malaysiakini report Local movies flout taboo on interracial love . I don't think there is a 'taboo' in Malaysia on inter-racial marriages. We all know many people who married outside their ethnic groups. I see inter-race couples all the time and if anything, there are more inter-religious marriages these days.

Inter-racial marriages were an issue Malaysians faced and confronted 50 years ago. I've heard a touching account of the problems a Sri Lankan man faced when he wanted to marry a Chinese lady in Melaka. But that happened in the late 50s and so many Indians have since married Chinese.

The couples I know also come from various races. I personally know a Kadazan married to a Chinese, an Iban married to an Orang Asli, and, of course, many Chinese married to Indians. I myself married a Chinese. These days, inter-racial couples come from all strata of society.

You can find among them CEOs of public-listed companies, academics and professionals, all the way to blue-collar workers.

Certainly, these 'mixed marriage' couples do face cultural problems and even acceptance issues among their relatives on both sides but these are often overcome with a bit of patience while the relatives get to know the perceived 'outsider' better. That's why I believe that inter-racial marriages are the best way to promote unity and understanding among Malaysians.

Coming back to the report, I think the issue mentioned should be more correctly categorised as a result of inter-religious marriages and especially so when one partner is from a particular religion.

Thus, without getting into specifics, we have to work harder to promote understanding and tolerance between the religions rather than between the races.