The issue raised by Leaves of Economic Grass is very pertinent to third-generation Chinese Malaysians. It has been troubling me for a while now especially since I live overseas. Here, we are often we are asked to fill up forms about our ethnicity.

I hesitated to put down Chinese as clearly, I am not Chinese Chinese. I can't really put down 'Malaysian' as that definition is more of a nationality. But often, I do choose to put down 'Malaysian' as this is the only identity that I am comfortable with.

As a third-generation Chinese Malaysian, our upbringing was very much in a 'rojak' environment (no disrespect intended).We were taught Chinese cultural values but we have no recollection of Chinese history. One has to live in that cultural environment to feel connected to that culture.

We were brought up to sing 'Negara Ku' with all our hearts out from the time when we were still unsure about the meaning of the lyrics. We cheered our badminton squad against China in that unforgettable Thomas Cup tournament.

We grew up eating 'nasi lemak' and 'roti canai' but yet, after all this, we are still distinctively Chinese.

When I was asked about my identity by Mat Sallehs here, I tell them I am a Malaysian but I am also a Chinese but not a Chinese Chinese although I can speak, read and write Chinese.

Then I tell them that my national language is actually Malay. And that I speak Cantonese with my spouse but Mandarin with my kids.

But now my kids are growing up speaking better English than me and while they still hold Malaysian passports they can't speak their national language, Malay.

Where does this end? I really don't know.