The Malay dilemma was followed by the Chinese dilemma and probably followed by the Indian dilemma. All these ethnic dilemmas sum up the Malaysian dilemma. If the different races pull in three different directions, then there will be the Malaysian dilemma.

And the prime minister will have the headache of pulling the three races together to form the Malaysian identity. As it is, each component party of the BN thinks only of its own racial grouping, oblivious to the larger interests of all Malaysians.

It is very easy and convenient to raise issues benefitting only one race. While it helps that particular race, it does not augur well for the future of our Malaysian youth. We must be vigilant and maintain harmony so that our youths could live peacefully.

Playing the extremist card is also very easy but is fraught with dangers. Once the spark is ignited, emotion will take over reason. Then it is down the road to destruction.

There are people who do not care if 'Rome burns' as long as their self-interests are advanced. Watch out for such stubborn, recalcitrant people.

To them personal pride overrides all other considerations. It is not national interest they talk about.