A diverse group of panellists attempted last night to provide some responses to the challenges towards inter-ethnic unity but in essence, they o­nly echoed the segregated voices which speak from Malaysia today.

The four panellists at the three-hour forum, titled "Managing inter-ethnic relations: challenges and responses" � spoke, among others, o­n the effects of the New Economic Policy, especially in shaping race relations over the past 30 years.

Speaking from his position as Umno Youth exco member, Nur Jazlan Mohamed said that the New Economic Policy (NEP), although intended to foster racial harmony by distributing wealth in a manner deemed fair and just, was bound not to satisfy every individual and group.

As a consequence, he said, the country is now faced with the dangers of extremism from all races in the shape of groups such as militant group al-Maunah and Chinese education movement Dong Jiao Zong, which has had a history of antagonism with Umno Youth.

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