In The Star on Dec 14, Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud commented that "through the hosting of the Hari Raya national open house, Sarawak could contribute towards national integration".

Indeed, it is the fervent belief of all Malaysians that all religious and national celebrations do contribute towards national integration.

However, anyone who acknowledges Sarawak-Federal politics will know that the Sarawak chief minister's statement is meaningless rhetoric from a slick politician.

If the chief minister was serious about national integration, he would support steps to revoke the inane immigration controls that treat non-Sarawakian Malaysians as aliens in their own country. But the fact is that he has consistently opposed such efforts, and has not entertained any serious discussions about it.

National integration? Walk the talk! Don't just dish out political platitudes.