I refer to the Malaysiakini article Penang Umno backs Ahmad, snubs Pak Lah

With all the recent brouhaha over Penang Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail's racist description of the Chinese as squatters in the country and his refusal to apologise, I am of the opinion that it is Ahmad Ismail's right not to apologise.

What is the point of apologising if one does not mean it but only does so out of political pressure?

If Malaysia is to become a truly democratic country that adheres to the universal declaration of human rights and freedom of speech, then whatever Ahmad said is within his rights, whether we agree with his views or not.

In fact, worse statements have emerged from Penang Umno secretary Azhar Ibrahim, who said that "the Sin Chew journalist deserved to be shot if her article causes another May 13", and former Bayan Lepas assemblyperson Mohd Zain, who said "don’t disturb and push the Malays too much. Don’t think we are quiet. We can retaliate very aggressively".

These two statements amount to direct threats to the life of the journalist and the non-Malay communities respectively. If police action is to be taken, it should be against the two persons above, rather than Ahmad.

Has Malaysia suddenly turned into a country of racists? Not really. Racist views have been more freely expressed recently due to the nation's new-found freedom, freedom of expression that is. And controversial views on race and religion being openly expressed is the price we're paying for becoming a more liberal country.

Let’s face it, racism has been deeply rooted in many of us, if not all. The question is not whether we're racist, the question is to what extent we are so. There is no point in using the sedition act to punish those who have expressed their so-called seditious views, as it does not solve the problem of racism in our country.

I hope that our new-found freedom of expression does not translate into violent retaliation. Let us pray that Malaysia is finally maturing as a nation in which we can tolerate each other's controversial views. Only then can we dream about racial unity.