It was particularly sad that the reason for their opposition was not because of Low’s inadequacies but because of her ethnicity. Her experience, services and contributions to the state for 35 years seem to be totally irrelevant and unappreciated when it comes to promotions just because she is not a bumiputera despite being a legitimate Malaysian citizen.

After 50 years of self rule one would have expected the nation to have attained a state where all Malaysians regardless of race would be considered as equal citizens unconditionally without any discrimination whatsoever.

However, on the contrary, it is deeply regrettable that racial consideration today has become the most important criteria for appointments to top posts in the government and government-linked companies - not talent, capability, loyalty or even patriotism. We are constantly being reminded of the importance of meritocracy but to what extent is that being really practiced?

It was refreshing that certain bumiputera leaders have come out to abhor racial discrimination as it is against fundamental principles of democracy and the basic tenets of every major religion. It was gratifying to see them come out in the open to boldly defend the appointment of a non- bumiputera to the top post in PKNS.

Unfortunately, they are too few and our national leaders who claim they represent the interest of all races, instead of educating the people to reject racism, chose to remain silent on this important issue.

It was equally disappointing that even some leaders in Pakatan Rakyat - which came into power because of its multiracial stand -were also quick to condemn the appointment of Low. Isn’t it timely for our national leaders in BN and PR to openly condemn racism in whatever form it takes and defend the appointment of senior officers based purely on merit and not ethnicity?

The people’s rights are clearly enshrined in the constitution and government officers, whether they are bumiputera or otherwise, are expected and are duty-bound to carry them out in accordance with the existing laws. Just as bumiputera officers are entrusted to be fair to all citizens so to must non-bumiputera officers be in respecting the special position of the bumiputera in the country.

Failing to do so will be breaching the laws which govern them. Why do we need only bumiputera officers to take care of their community? Can’t a non-bumiputera be entrusted with that job? Many of us have worked in the civil service with full commitment to serve all the races fairly according to the provisions in the laws. Why the squabble now? Isn’t it time for us to get over with the notion that leaders can only serve their own communities?

Tremendous hopes for multi-racialism were raised after the March 8 elections but with each passing day the people’s hope to end racism appears to be slowly eluding us. When countries all over are tapping the resources of all their citizens to remain competitive, we seem to be going backwards to the era of divide-and-rule which will only be detrimental to ourselves in the long run. How can we move forward when we ignore the talents and capabilities of 40 percent of the population?

Malaysians in general have grown in wisdom and maturity but are they ready to get rid of race politics once and for all? Are they ready to adopt a mind set that regards all races as rightful citizens? The vast majority of the people of all races have no qualms living side-by-side to face the daily challenges in life together as Malaysians. They have learnt to respect and tolerate the differences and, in fact, many have become dependent on one another for their various needs.

On the other hand, it is our politicians who seem to be not ready. They do not appear to be genuinely keen in dismantling race politics and are bent on continuing with such discriminatory policies for their own advantage. Instead of educating the people of all races to unite, they seem to be instigating them to remain divided.

The leaders should stop harping on the few differences among the various races and instead emphasise the many things that we have in common. They must highlight the need for unity instead of dividing the races for selfish reasons.

The new generation parents, teachers, religious and political leaders alike must treasure racial unity and lead by example to instill a sense of mutual respect for those from other races. We must encourage a new mindset that regards all as Malaysians.

In the US, a nation which was once known for slavery, the people are in the process of embracing an African- American as the president of their country whereas in our own homeland we are squabbling over the appointment of a Chinese Malaysian as the head of, not a state or nation, but just a government–owned company.

We have some serious thinking to do to regarding race relations and where we heading as a nation in this highly-competitive world. It is vital for all the races to pool their resources together to face the global challenges that await the nation.

People with calibre regardless of ethnicity must be given the opportunity to serve the nation without discrimination otherwise soon our nation will be depleted of such capable citizens. If we continue with our race-based policies we will surely be heading for doom in the not so distant future.