I refer to the Malaysiakini report Gates of 'racism' slam shut on Chin Peng's return and the letter CPM peace agreement must once again be supported .

In considering whether Chin Peng should be allowed back to Malaysia, we need to take heed of Dr Colin Abraham’s contention that a formal agreement was struck between the Malaysian government and the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) at the 1989 Hat Yai talks to end hostilities.

We do not have a detailed record of their discussions, but the Malaysian delegates, in their wisdom, acquiesced to Article 3 of the Agreement that allows Malaysian members of the CPM to return and settle in Malaysia.

Chin Peng is not even asking to settle in Malaysia, but only to visit his ancestral graves.

The time for arguing the merits of Chin Peng returning to Malaysia is long past. This is something that should have been – and, presumably, would have been – thrashed out 20 years ago when the agreement was drawn up.

If there is to be any further debate, it is only whether the government is morally and ethically justified in reneging on a formal treaty signed in good faith by both sides.