I am appalled at the mentality behind FN's letter ( Chinese M'sians must accept their lot ). Such a view do not promote national integration and unity. On the contrary, they only serve to entrench institutional racism and give credence to 'Ketuanan Melayu', an exclusively political-partisan concept championed by Umno, the ruling party.

The Chinese and Indians whose forebears came to this country some generations ago are no longer immigrants by virtue of having settled down here permanently and therefore, having roots in and loyalty to Malaysia.

The fact that we have contributed substantially to the socio-economic development and prosperity of this country means that all of us should be thankful for the contribution of one another. It goes without saying there must be reciprocity. Forging a Bangsa Malaysia in the context of multiculturalism can never take place without such a parity of acknowledgment. Malaysia is a commonwealth of races and not a hierarchy.

Umno and the Malays must recognise that the New Economic Policy and the quota system are not, strictly speaking, an exercise in socio-economic justice. How can it be when it is at the expense of the other races? When a qualified non-bumi is denied a place in the local university, that is not justice. Likewise, when a bumi receives five to seven percent discount for buying a real estate property, that is not justice.

Socio-economic justice only happens when everyone is given equal opportunity based on merit. Blaming other races, particularly the Chinese, is an injustice to one's own race for it assigns the blame to others. The Malays have the potential to be as successful as other races. True socio-economic justice aims at eradicating injustices across the board for that is the essence of justice.

I will never accept 'Ketuanan Melayu' and 'Chinese are immigrants' mentality because this is unjust, not least to the many struggling, hard-working, law-abiding loyal Chinese, Indians and other races in Malaysia who have never so much as to contemplate preferences or privileges for themselves and their children. Think about it.