I am writing in response to Tadin Sahak's letter Why Malays are wary of Chinese nationals .

It is understandable to feel bonds of kinship with those of the same race and religion. However, what the readers who wrote in (and whom he has issues with) were saying is that we should rise above this. Remaining silent in the face of hate and violence against ethnic Chinese in Indonesia is not behaving in a civilised manner.

Furthermore, treating someone differently because of their religion or race is abhorrent. Tadin mentioned that non-Malays are not hiring Malays. Did he ask them why this is so? Are there policies implemented by non-Malays that say they must not hire a Malay? If a non-Malay comes across a Malay who can bring positive value, would he or she be so silly as not to hire?

Tadin should do a survey as to why this is the case. Yes, there may be cases of non-Malay racism, but this is the exception rather than the rule and it is not institutionalised. He asks that non-Malays help Malays. I'm sure many would be willing and many are helping. But first, would he be willing to be helped?

The way of many non-Malays is that you start at the bottom and work your way up. Would he be willing to start at the bottom and struggle for years to climb the ladder compared to getting a cushy post at the top?

Tadin also says that non-Malays help other non-Malays. Two things. In the face of the government's discriminatory policies, how should then should they act? Secondly, they are most likely to be helping their friends. Does Tadin think that a non-Malay can walk up to another non-Malay and get help just like that? Of course not. But again, the non-Malay is far more likely to help his Malay friend rather than a non-Malay stranger.

Tadin's assertion that Indonesians can assimilate well may have been true in the past because the recent Indonesians who have arrived are a different kettle of fish. Talk to anyone of them like I have and you will realise they will speak out against what they perceive to be the Malay attitude towards work.