Once upon a time we Malaysians took pride in living as a multiracial society. It was with great joy that we shared our cultural diversities, information and knowledge with one another.

Today, sadly, the reverse has happened. Each ethnic group in the country is unabashedly looking after their own self-interest. It appears that the respective race groups in the country are only too glad to maintain the welfare of their own self-interests.

As Malaysians, are they to be blamed for the fast eroding sense of affection and compassion towards fellow Malaysians? Maybe not, looking at the way in which some 'leaders' here are busy politicising racial issues and interests.

One such disturbing scenario concerned the recent statement made by Higher Education Minister Shafie Salleh who took great 'pride' in stating that the doors of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UiTM) will never be opened to non-bumiputera students.

The speech, as malicious and seditious as it was, took place during the recent Umno general assembly. What was further disheartening was that Shafie's outburst was welcomed with great applause by those present during his winding up motion.

To say that Shafie was bias vis-a-vis his remark is to state the obvious. As a minister of an important portfolio, one which plays a crucial role in determining the future of the nation, Shafie should have learnt a thing or two about minding his Ps and Qs while trying to protect the interest of Malay students.

To display his unhappiness about seeing non-bumiputera students walking down the halls of UiTM raises the question of just how much of a Malaysian Shafie himself truly is.

Bigoted views

His contemptuous statement is certainly not going to enhance racial unity in the country. The minister's unwillingness to compromise on the issue of UiTM and non-bumiputera students only goes to reflect his bigoted views, sadly reflecting intolerance towards the non-bumiputeras.

Call it incidental or paradoxical, Shafie's stand on UiTM being exclusively for bumiputeras showed that polarisation in education is very much alive in our country, no matter how vehemently the government denies it.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi takes great pride in expounding how Islam Hadhari propagates excellence as a way of life. It is also one of the tenets of Islam Hadhari to not neglect the welfare of the minorities.

If the UiTM issue concerning non-bumiputera students is closely examined, it will reflect the bias that dwells in the minds of some of the country's leaders. To completely dismiss the suggestion that non-bumiputera students be made a part of UiTM makes one wonder whether the country's Muslim leaders are trustworthy, just and impartial, as per the teachings of Islam.

While the progress of the Malays is the government's main concern, that does not justify leaders like Shafie's nonchalant response towards the educational needs of the non-Malays.

Giving the weaker group a helping hand is always an admirable quality, one which undeniably is part of the teachings of all religions. However, by monopolising the teachings of one religion to the detriment of the rest is no way to earn points in this life and the afterlife.

Accept the reality

If callous statements such as that coming from ministers like Shafie are any indication of the discrimination that is coming the way of non-bumiputera students, then it is about time that

one and all should pray that the country is spared yet another racial riot, prompted by the insensitive remarks of some ministers.

In the case of Shafie, one cannot escape from realising the minister's insecurity over the well being of the Malays. To blatantly state by virtue of him being the higher education minister that the quota of Malay students entering universities will always be higher is to fan the fire of racial discrimination.

No doubt the country's priority will always be to support the Malays first, but if the government is serious enough in wanting to keep the Malaysian concept alive, then it should never for a moment forget that the road to democracy was not founded by the Malays solely.

Also, the refusal to accept the reality that non-bumiputeras have sprinted far ahead of the Malays due to sheer hard work is only going to make matters worse for the Malays, who sadly, will progress not by virtue of their capabilities but on the basis of their religion.

If Islam Hadhari says that opportunities should be given to Malays based on "know how" and not "know who", then perhaps it should be qualified by saying that success will only come to those who work sincerely, justly and without fear or favour.

Otherwise, Islam Hadhari might end up as just that, a rhetorical preach from the government.

JJ RAY started her career with a mainstream publication. A non-conformist, she soon saw the barriers that went up whenever, through her writing, she tried to make the world a home for one and all.