I would like to response to Haliza B's letter about integration in our society. First, do we really need to be fully integrated as one race? The answer is a clear 'no'. There is no way we can be fully integrated. The basic obstacle is religion.

Can we remain and get recognised as Malaysians despite our difference in religion? Can we accept those from other faiths? From my experience, it is possible.

I don't know if I can say that I am fortunate to be born and brought up among Malay friends. I grew up very open minded as far as race is concerned. I judge people by how they are and not by their skin colour or their religion.

I speak the Malay language like my Malay friends. Even though I am not a convert, I think I can recite the azan if I want to. I never tried it as a mark of respect to my Muslim friends. In short I would call myself a native of this land. All I need is to change my religion and I will be a Malay, for there is such a definition of a Malay.

Having said the above, I wonder what else can I do to contribute to the racial harmony in this country. My family has been here more than 200 years. Looking at the way things are going, another 200 years can pass and my descendants will still be excluded as true citizens.

My forefathers were accepted by their Malay neighbours and this acceptance persists until today. My kampung friends are still there for me whenever I am back. There are also ex-friends who left the kampung and now are completely different. Guess what? They are with the government or are benefitting from the various handouts that seem to be coming out of our tax money.

Many have voiced the term 'institutionalised racism'. That's the main problem. The advocates of this divisive policy are also crowing about how we are so closely united. The fact is, a full blooded Malaysian like me have been so disillusioned that I am trying my very best to send all my children away to seek better pastures. At least they do not get marginalised because of their race or religion. It's better to vote with our feet, as any vote for the BA (or PAS) is unlikely to make any difference to our fate.