I read with great interest that an Indonesian parliamentarian has suggested that Indonesia sues Malaysia for using the song 'Rasa Sayang' in its tourist promotions.

The history of our two countries is so intertwined - especially in the early years - where Bugis, Acehnese, Mandalings, Bataks, Malays, etc, came over and settled here and now form the bulk of our population. Even today, we have Indonesians coming over from Kalimantan to settle in East Malaysia - apparently with the tacit approval of the powers-that-be.

This being so, it is inevitable that they would have brought their culture over and it is indeed possible that 'Rasa Sayang' has its roots in Indonesia. Even our national anthem 'Negara-ku', which tune was taken from the Perak state anthem 'Terang Bulan', is said to have come from outside our shores - Indonesia perhaps?

It is very difficult to sue anyone - less so a country - on matters like this where copyright does not exist. Rather than kick up dust, may I suggest that Indonesia use this to its advantage: If I were an advertising or PR consultant for Indonesian Tourism I would suggest that tourists come experience the real thing rather than a transplanted copy.

This goes for batik, wayang kulit, etc, etc, which no doubt came with the early Malay settlers (I use this term broadly to cover the other groups) across the Straits of Malacca. Since the Malays are not indigenous to Malaysia, therefore it is likely that their culture came with them from Sumatra and Java.

What if 'Rasa Sayang', batik, wayang kulit, etc, did originate from Indonesia? In an ever shrinking world we are constantly borrowing from each other. There's no shame in that. Indonesians should be proud that we have copied from them (if indeed that's true in the case of 'Rasa Sayang') and not be so small minded.

Isn't imitation the best form of flattery?