I find the letters about racism in Chinese culture fascinating. As a Dayak (East Malaysian native), my comment is short and sweet.

Sarawakian Chinese refer to us Dayaks in very derogatory terms indeed. My Chinese friend who married a Dayak lady used to joke about Chinese racism. He said in the Chinese language, only the Chinese are referred to as human beings.

However, the most shocking of all was when an educated Chinese friend of mine referred to a successful Chinese businessman who married a Dayak lady as 'Bo Class' (No Class).

According to her, he should have married a Chinese lady instead. I know some Chinese friends of mine are embarrassed by how their fellow Chinese use various derogatory terms to call us Dayaks. Their comment is 'Ah, that's typical'.

In Sarawak, all seems quiet and well. The Dayaks prefer to keep the insults to themselves, otherwise they will accused of rocking the boat.

No offence ... we are Sarawakians!