Over the past few months, public opinion has been focussed on the special rights issue concerning the Malays and other bumiputeras. The media, including malaysiakini have expounded the sensitive issues, both positive and negative, which have been openly debated under the watchful eyes of the government.

I am glad that discussion on the sensitive issue of Malay rights and privileges has been tolerated by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's new administration. This is a new phenomenon which reflects a certain tolerance of our freedom to express thoughts on racial issues without fear of prosecution under the ISA or other draconian laws.

It is a healthy development and should be respected with responsibility and accountability by all peace-loving Malaysians.

I believe Pak Lah's vision is to provide as much transparency as possible in his attempts to resolve all our national issues and hopefully to prove the credibility of the present administration under his leadership in line with the wishes of the majority.

Having said that, let me respond to the comments by CS Chua that there should be 'affirmative action for all'. I have some reservations and thoughts to share with my fellow Malaysians. Nothing personal and I hope my few sen worth of opinion will go a long way in changing our mind set in order to be a better Malaysians both today and tomorrow.

There has been a series of comments on the issues of social contracts, social rights, equal rights and opportunities. These are explosive if not properly perceived in the minds of our fellow Malaysians. We hope that every Malaysian, irrespective of their racial origin, will take up the challenge of these issues with absolute intelligence and without any remorse and emotions.

In the words of Maya Angelou: 'It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.'

Therefore, uncovering racism with intelligence is the way to resolve our problems together. It is impossible to please everybody with the best circumstances and solutions, even if the Barisan Alternatif were to be mandated to govern the nation.

In my previous experience as a diplomat, I have always remain conscious of and sensitive to the issues of racism which had been in existence over centuries in most parts of the world.

Today, the question of racism, human rights, privileges and special rights of so-called aborigines remains unresolved in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, parts of the European Union and South American countries, the sub-continents of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other regions in Asean.

So, theoretically, these national issues will haunt us for generations to come if we are not realistic in our claims for legitimate rights. The logical approach is therefore to share the opportunities and wealth on this earth created by Almighty God.

Coming back to Malaysia, these issues have haunted us since independence. The million dollar question is to know when all this will end - perhaps in 20, 30 or 50 years from now? That's too far away and we should be realistic to settle the matter within a reasonable time frame.

However, for the information of people like CS Chua, Malays are known to be very tolerant and forgiving in nature. I believe deep down in their hearts, they wish that they could give up their rights for special privileges, which only reflect their weaknesses and unwillingness to compete with other communities on an equal platform.

It is evident today that over time, and with better secular education and global exposure, the present and future generations of 'Melayu Baru' will change their perceptions.

Fortunately, I am from a similar background and social environment. My children and grandchildren, who are theoretically Malays as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution, have never demanded the right of being privileged citizens of Malaysia over the Chinese, Indians and the other minority communities.

The group of highly-educated Malays (with foreign exposure) have often voiced their concern over the prolonged issue of Malay rights and privileges, which they feel is detrimental to the spirit of equal opportunity in the plentiful land of Malaysia, which belongs to all of us.

I suggest that our Malay brothers and sisters should ask their children whether they still insist on being subsidised by the government and remaining weak forever with the protection given by the relevant legislation under the Federal Constitution.

Let's give this remedy a serious thought and stop debating on these sensitive issues. Let Pak Lah handle the situation with the wisdom of his administration and with the help of his capable team of elite advisers in the prime minister's office.

Give Pak Lah a chance to do his work. He wants all of us, including the opposition members and NGOs to be the eyes and ears of the people. Good luck, Pak Lah, and carry on the good mission with a clear conscience and in accordance with the virtues of our Islamic teachings and values.