I have lived abroad longer than I have lived in Malaysia but my fondness for the country of my birth remains undiminished. I have therefore looked very hard for reasons to be hopeful that Malaysia will have a decent political future.

Despite the current sabre-rattling along racial lines, people of all races have not resorted to violence to vent their frustrations and grievances, real or perceived. I suggest all Malaysians stop bickering for one day, take the day off, pat themselves on their backs and celebrate. Society has truly matured.

As regards the "split" in the Malay ranks, this is all for the better, even for the Malays. Malaysians now have the choice of a coalition which leans towards the Right (Barisan Nasional) and one which leans towards the Left (Barisan Alternatif). Each is led by the dominant race, supported by the other races. By simple arithmetic, Malays already are in special positions to lead.

Rejoice, Malaysians! All the ingredients are in place to develop an arena for true political battle for the hearts and minds of the people. It would be a shame if all Malaysians, present government included, do not grasp this golden opportunity to be a great nation with a grown-up political system.