Initially it was in Paris that racial riots erupted between the Muslim youth minorities and the police youth due to simmering discontent due to racial profiling amongst others.

The latest incident is now in Sydney where the minorities of Arab of Lebanese descent are being targeted by white youths. It show that tolerance in one of the most modern societies of the West is now on shaky grounds.

Minorities face racial discrimination in any country and to integrate them into the mainstream of society is very difficult as their culture, norms and religious values might not be accepted by the local populace.

It does not help either that most of these poor and downtrodden minorities are being segregated in ghettos areas. For them, finding employment is difficult and they find it hard to make ends meet.

Racial segregation and discrimination seems to be rearing it ugly head in these modern times. Hopefully, this disease won't spread to our country which is blessed with peace and harmony among the various races.

Really, there are a lot of things which foreign countries can learn from us about racial harmony. Except for a black spot on May 13, 1969, ours can be considered a success story.

Now if only our leaders can have the political and moral will to fight graft and abuse of power to ensure the economic pie is equally shared regardless of race, we will truly be a model nation for others to emulate.