It is sad that after more than four decades of gaining our "Merdeka", we are still thinking along racial lines. The infamous catchphrase used by our leading politicians: "For Race, Religion and Country" does not augur well for our country. It is high time we teach our children to think in terms of: "For God and Country".

The racial and religious divide we create will one day tear our beloved country apart. Unless there is true unity in diversity, we will end up like the Balkan states or so many African states that practise racial politics.

It is indeed timely that Malaysians should throw their support behind a truly Malaysian party and show Barisan Nasional the door. As long as Barisan Alternatif emulates BN's communal politics, it will forever be playing second fiddle to BN.

I pray and hope that one day, our new prime minister in his victory speech can utter these words:

" I have faith that with God's help we as a nation will move forward together as one nation, indivisible. And together we will create a Malaysia that is open, so every citizen has access to the Malaysian dream; a Malaysia that is educated, so every child has the keys to realise that dream; and a Malaysia that is united in our diversity and our shared Malaysian values that are larger than race or party.

"I was not elected to serve one party or one race, but to serve one nation.

"The prime minister of Malaysia is the prime minister of every single Malaysian, of every race and every background.

"Whether you voted for me or not, I will do my best to serve your interests and I will work to earn your respect.

"

(Quotation borrowed from US President-elect George W Bush's victory speech.)