It is a sad measure of the prejudice and alienation among the races that after four decades of nationhood, a visit to China by a leader of Malaysia provokes the racist question: " Why should Umno leaders visit China just before the general election? "

For one matter, it does no harm for incoming prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to have a high-profile visit to an important country to enhance statesmanship. Don't every political wannabe gear up just before the elections? The recent inundation of self-serving press statements especially from some oppositionists is not tropical rain!

In the circumstances of the present geo-political situation, a Malaysian leader would hardly be welcomed in Washington, London and Canberra. Pakistan and India would be sending the wrong signals, and Russia, Germany, France, New Zealand and Phillippines do not count for much. Jakarta is not ripe for any state visit.

So, the best choice is China. It is the only choice. And it fits all the parameters. It represents one-fourth of the world population. It is one of the permanent members of the Security Council. It is a potential world power. It is the rising economic powerhouse. It is an Asian superpower which Malaysia has important trade interests. It has a Muslim population larger than Malaysia and it so happens to have some ethnic affinities with the majority of Malaysians, including the Malays.

It will not add nor subtract one ethnic Chinese vote that the BN will have, or not have, on polling day.

So, let those who have nothing better in their heads, think of dark and sinister motives.