The recent eruption in Petaling Jaya shows how fragile the bonds of unity are within Malaysia. What has the ruling party to show for the last 43 years in terms of bringing the country closer? What is there to show for it?

Taking stock of what the present government has accomplished is really quite dismal. An empty coffer, a terminally-ill car industry, a dying national air carrier, a buried steel industry, a mildew-stained stadium complex, empty office buildings around town and ghost towns. We do not have clean drinking water, no covered drains, no proper incinerators, and a smog-filled city.

Some say, I'm not a thankful Malaysian. Yes, I am thankful for a tolerant society, a peace-loving people, a hardworking nation and prudent neighbours who love God and country. We must make a clear distinction between love for country and the ruling government. They are not synonymous despite what the leaders say.

Forty-three years after gaining independence, ethnic and racial lines have been drawn even deeper especially over the past 15 years. We have regressed. We have only learnt to live in silence and fear. We have not really learnt to live together. As long as the ruling elite is in power, we shall continue to be divided, for this is the way Barisan Nasional can stay in power.