Without warning, the tsunami waves came on Dec 26 and swept tens of thousands to their deaths, leaving millions more homeless. Another macabre reminder of the sheer force of nature.

In the aftermath, the world joined hands to help the victims. Very commendable indeed. But as days passed, race, creed and political inclinations slowly crept into the picture.

Now we have people trading barbs on why the Arab states were silent, or were slow to respond to the disaster. Then I overhear people saying, 'We should help our kind'.

So even in Malaysia, at some places which collect aid, we see volunteers and donors of predominantly one particular race or faith.

Now, if there is one lesson to be learnt from the tsunami tragedy - apart from the one of keeping a close eye on the sea when vacationing at the beach - is the nature of nature itself.

The waves did not discriminate. It swept Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, atheists, saints, sinners, young, old, whites, browns, blacks, yellows, males, females, heterosexuals and homosexuals to their deaths.

So if nature does not discriminate, why are we?