Dr Mahathir Mohamad, our former long serving prime minister, has commented recently that there is no chance for a united non-racial Malaysia.

Well, as long as the government promotes and supports a policy of divide and rule and grants special favours and rights to only a certain community, then this may just be an illusion or a dream.

During his tenure in office as an absolute authority and power, Mahathir implemented policies to further alienate and separate the various communities.

In his recent comments, he drew reference to Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand where the other races have adopted local names and culture and this being a sort of trump card for unity or greater recognition.

However, little does he realise that our immediate neighbour, Singapore did not resort to such stringent measures in order to progress and become a world recognised business centre.

Singapore has harnessed its pool of talents and expertise irrespective of race or colour to achieve great success.

So also, other Western and developed countries who have made great strides with their liberal and non-racial policies to allow minority communities to hold high positions in national policy making entities and mega business conglomerates.

Therefore, it is achievable and one does not need have to change the name, identity or even denounce his or her religion to show loyalty to the nation or be a full blooded Malaysian.

Malaysia claims to be truly Asia but its in appearance only if it keeps working towards a divided and segregated local environment.

 

In golf, the handicap given to new and upcoming players is slowly reduced and eventually removed as players improve in the game but in this country, the handicap in the form of special privileges and preferences given to the largest community, seemingly keeps increasing and not reducing despite of sufficient time being allocated.

 

Some damage has already been done when we see the various communities grouping together within their respective ethnic groups rather than mixing freely with others.

In neighbourhoods, though we live in peaceful co-existence, we are sadly, remain isolated from one another.

 

When our present prime minister announced his 1Malaysia bold plan, there seemed some hope but it got shot down by his own party members. Today, 1Malaysia stands only as a humanitarian agency.

The million dollar question is, when can we achieve a non-racial united Malaysia?

Perhaps, a change of government to one that encompasses a multiracial structure in the implementation and management of national policies.

Then perhaps, we can slowly change our mindset that has been inculcated for a long period with a racial mentality rather than a national mentality.