I would like to relate my experience in Bangkok one day when the tour guide said that since Thailand is a Buddhist country, gambling is therefore not allowed.

Hongkong and Singapore too do not allow the setting up of a casino.The reason is obvious enough - i.e. gambling is a social ill. I find it therefore strange that many talk about freedom and the right to choose without examining the ramifications of such a policy.

The Indian community's worst scourge is the samsu . Do we want it to be promoted as well? Why are we shouting so much about dadah and ecstacy? Surely it is within our rights in a democracy to choose what we want to prevent?

When Singapore banned firecrackers, we continued to allow them, but only for limited periods for cultural reasons. Only when we found enough courage did we decide to ban it totally. Too many houses got burnt and children suffered the most, in terms of injuries, not to mention the money spent to buy the firecrackers.

Gambling is not the only thing that is to be banned. The Malay community has had many of their so-called cultural practices terminated, such as Puja Pantai where a white buffalo would be sent out to sea on a decorated raft to appease the sea spirits (no kidding!).

Even the Melaka government does not encourage Mandi Safar which was a must for all to celebrate not too long ago.

Thus, a possible ban on gambling is not a Chinese problem. It is progress for Malaysia's multicultural community.

We have to put things in its proper perspective and not go overboard in passing judgment.