It is interesting to read so many comments regarding the clashes involving the Malays and Indians recently and the remedies being recommended. I'm no intellect nor a political scientist, but I find there is something very important missing in the arguments presented - the need for interreligious dialogues.

I, being a Muslim who happens to be a Malay, know very well how we have been brainwashed since childhood by our friends, elders (including our parents!), teachers and even ustaz to look down on other races and religions. Putting others down what some people do so that they can feel good about themselves. These people seemed to have forgotten our ancestors and where we come from. And the latest prime targets of such attitude are the Bangladeshis and Indonesians.

Ignorance about each other's cultural and religious beliefs is one problem among not just the Malays but the other races as well. We must learn to understand why the 'other' person acts and thinks in a different way.

Interreligious dialogues are one of the many ways through which we can understand each other better and be more tolerant of each other's beliefs. As it is now, there is a certain kind of uneasiness amongst us when talking about religion, considered a taboo subject. To break misconceptions and distrust, we have to be open and discuss ideas rationally and with wisdom. Buy religious books (of different faiths) and you'll find how close we actually are to one another.