At the last two Umno general assemblies, youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein Onn literally kissed the keris. This act is not of the Malay culture or ceremony. It is hopeful that he knows that he has inadvertently showed goodwill to non-Muslims, particularly Christians.

It is an age-old tradition in all Western and Christian armed forces and those with the legacy of Western military training. Their cadets, senior non-commissioned officers and officers are taught to drill with the swords. When the sword is drawn from the scabbard, the user must simulate a kiss with grace and not crassness. The same thing must be done when you replace the sword into the scabbard or when you the sword is used to salute.

The same tradition is followed in the sport of fencing.

The simulation of the kiss is because the sword is an upside-down Christian cross. It's good of Hishammuddin, whether he realises it or not, to follow this Christian practice - his desire to be part of our multi-racial milieu. Well done.

In any case, Malays did not not kiss with their lips and even today some Malays don't. They suck in air with their nostrils to show affection. Lip kissing is a phenomenon that came with Hollywood.