I am writing to you regarding a recent Star article, ' Indian athletes fail to make the mark for Vietnam Games ' by journalist Aftar Singh.

It is a shame that The Star would allow an article like this to be published for consumption in a multi-racial society which is continuously trying to find ways to stand as one. I am not saying that we don't have to preserve our differences and culture, but try not to differentiate us further.

Why can't we see everyone in Malaysia as Malaysians, rather than to note the racial identity of each person? Why can't the article be titled: 'Some athletes fail to make the mark for Vietnam Games', or 'Even good athletes bite the dust'?

Such practices need to be eradicated, or it will provoke more racial schism. As a media giant, The Star needs to know its role in the community and be sensitive towards society's needs.

What will young athletes think of themselves? Am I running as an Indian or as a Malaysian, and which flag do I bear?

What does the author mean by 'Indian athletes'? They is not even one Indian athlete in the Malaysian squad mind you, there can never be. Indian athletes are found only in India, mate!

All are Malaysians of various descent. At national level they are no different, nor should be seen as different, no matter what their language, dress, uniform, race, or religion.

In looking at the rainbow, one does not say how badly one colour performs against another. One does not look at the rainbow and contrast the colours. The rainbow should always be seen as a glorious bunch of rays which comes out together, stands together and fades together.

I sympathise with those who have been affected by this form of insensitive writing. Please wake up to the call for unity, or start feeling sorry for yourself for getting lost in the mad rush towards development, which has probably misplaced the Malaysian in you.

Unity in a multi-racial society can only be experienced if all races are seen as 'one' under the same flag. Therefore start calling yourselves Malaysians and accept nothing less!