There must be something illegal in waving a book on the May 13 riots and warning non-Malays about the danger of questioning Malay rights. That sounds like a threat of violence.

What was the provocation for Badruddin Amiruldin to do so at the Umno annual general assembly last week? After all, the Umno president's speech included issues only relating to globalisation, competition, right attitudes and references to the Malays becoming competitive.

In the MCA, Gerakan and MIC annual assemblies you never hear such rhetoric as spouted by Badruddin. Ours is a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society whether one likes it or not. Citizens in Malaysia are of diverse ethnicities with distinct cultures and diverse religions.

The constitution guarantees religious freedom and equality under the law. All residents pay tax and are entitled to be treated fairly by the government. Is the demand for fairness and justice to be regarded as sensitive?

There are few who will question the special rights of the Malays. But it has been 47 years since independence and it must be legitimate to ask what went wrong and how much longer? There are others who need help too.

It is more usual for minorities to require protection and affirmative action rather than the majority population. Indians, Ibans, Dayaks, and other indigenous people of Malaysia also need help. Let there be more openness and less sensitivity in the discussion of issues that concern all citizens.

And let us moderate the rhetoric at political assemblies for they give lie to our claim to be a tolerant nation.