The sad news that Nelson Mandela had become part of nature would bring sadness to those who had vigorously opposed racism, religious fanaticism and views based on colour of the skin and continue to do so.

When the minority white regime in South Africa practised apartheid, thus suppressing and oppressing the basic rights and dignity of the majority black race, Mandela fought against it and for that he was incarcerated for more than a quarter of a century.

Upon his release from prison, considering the welfare of South Africa and the people, he sowed the seed of reconciliation and found oneness in the people and in South Africa.

It is said that at one time when the South African Constitutional court declared that a law approved by Mandela when he was president was a nullity, he instructed his legal advisers that the court’s decision should be followed.

This illustrates the respect he had for justice. He did not condemn those (judges) who nullified his legislation, and his acceptance of the verdict brings out the magnanimity that resided within him. He believed in justice and justice can only mean that it is for all.

Unlike those who, once having achieved power refused to let it go, this Nobel prize laureate served as president of South Africa only for one term and retired, spending the rest of his life serving the country and the people. He showed the world that political power is not the only means by which good things can be done.

The most important treasure Mandela had bequeathed to the human race is his ever oozing humane consideration.

Although he was deprived of liberty at a young age by forces which implemented racist policies, but upon attaining freedom he did not show any animosity or hatred towards the minority white race which was instrumental to those ignominious laws: instead, he brought them into his fold and showed the world all can live happily as one family. This is a lesson to racists and religious fanatics.

Should Malaysia follow Mandela’s broad-minded, meaningful and useful approach, it can achieve national reconciliation. On the world stage Malaysia claims to be a modern country. This is not enough, it must have the political will to declare and implement laws to show that there is no place for racism or religious fanaticism in this land of multiple races, religions and cultures.

It is no use crying over Mandela’s death or giving lip service to racial and religious understanding. Would his sacrifice and devotion to peace and human understanding be respected and his efforts carried on? Looking from that point of view one could say in a multi-racial, and multi-religious and multi-cultural Malaysia, Mandela can be a beacon.

Mandela is a time which had merged with nature. Memories remain. His work and his thoughts towards a better human relationship must continue. If the human race could continue that journey of Mandela, that would be the greatest respect the human race can show Nelson Mandela.