While I sympathise with Dr Loo and Manora , the fact remains that racism is evident everywhere. It is that aspect of human nature that we have to transcend to become better human beings. The US may be a great place, but ask the Blacks and you will hear a litany on discrimination.

The lower-caste people of India have also had to face this reality as do the indigenous people of Australia or New Zealand. The situation for us is made even worse because our political parties are ethnically based. Behind everything lurks the issue ethnicity despite the Koranic injunction that we are divided into tribes so that we may grow to love one another.

Left to ourselves, many Malaysians interact well but very often politics complicates issues. The grass is not green either in the US, Australia or New Zealand. Many Malaysians who migrate only talk about the good things, but the reality they face is hidden because they do not now want to admit that they have only changed colours in these nations.

Ultimately, human nature is the same everywhere, and I am of the belief that I must grow where I am born for in the challenges I face here lies my final salvation.