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The reflections by Leaves of Economic Grass were very sobering and I'm sure many will identify with his musings. A very well-written piece and if the writer is a product of the Malaysian education system then there must be a future for Malaysians of ethnic Chinese descent in this country.

I am a post-Merdeka Malaysian and was but a baby during the blemish on our Malaysian history in 1969. I have seen and felt the injustice of being a minority in this country and have seen many migrate - including close friends and relatives - to seek a better life with greater opportunities.

I too, used to wonder if my children would not be better of in a country that does not have systematic discrimination based on race. I say systematic because there is discrimination everywhere - it is built into government policies.

When I go to China, I am a Malaysian but when I come back to my 'tanah air' where I was born, I am known as a Chinese.

Over the last six years, however, the political face of Malaysia has changed in so many ways for the better. Young Malaysians have joined hands across race and religion to fight for justice, rule of law and an end to corruption and excesses in our nation.

Divisions are no longer along racial lines as between the ruling elite and the ordinary rakyat. Young Malaysians now have an avenue (such as in malaysiakini ) through which they can speak their minds.

There are political parties that are not race-based and which are relevant to many younger and middle-aged Malaysians. The ruling party is not quite as strong as before as the people begin to realise that Malaysia is maturing and that divisions along racial lines no longer work.

Leaders who are corrupt and self-serving are still in government but there more pressure on them now for accountability. We have a prime minister who is gentler and more conciliatory.

Overall, things are looking brighter. It does not matter who governs as long as there is a respect for the Constitution, rule of law and the separation of powers so that the government can be held accountable for whatever the executive does or does not do.

Surely there is a future for ethnic Chinese, Indians and other minorities in this country. Surely our contribution to society and our loyalty to King and country would count for something.

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