In 'Young Malaysians: The search for genuine national unity' (Aug 15) by James Wong Wing On, his main theme is stated in his opening line: "Contrary to the unfounded claims often made by ageing mainstream journalists and overstayed politicians, young Malaysians are not actually that racially segregated and religiously divisive."

Looking at the list of speakers at the seminar he participated in, I see that some are products and beneficiaries of the prevailing political system rather than youthful vanguard of the new Malaysian identity.

In response to a question from a young Malay on what the greatest fears of the different ethnic communities are in Malaysia, the writer pointed out that "from a typically parochial Malay nationalist worldview, it is the perception or misperception that it is small people (in ethnic sense) 'surrounded' by giant people (in ethnic sense) in China, India, Australia, Singapore."

The average Malaysian is not a political scientist (amateur or trained) who juggles with geopolitical manoeuvres in his mind. Rather, most of us are driven by "fear of one another", i.e. what is it that we fear and dislike about each other.

I believe that is what the young Malay questioner meant. Unfortunately, this 'sensitive' issue was sidestepped and an opportunity for a frank and enlightening exchange was lost.

In my view, it is the stereotyped images we have of one another perpetrated by selfish politicians that are responsible for many 'fears'. The 'protectors' of a community may be more interested in getting a big slice of the cake for themselves rather than the long-term uplift of their community's ethos.

Are all Malays poor? No! Are all Chinese rich? No! Are all Malays inherently lazy and so must eternally require handouts? No! Are all Chinese inherently industrious? No! Then why do we have a policy of racial differentiation based on these premises?

Regarding the last point, friends who visited China tell me there are many lazy Chinese in China. I believe this is a hangover from the Marxist system of 'collectivism' which discourages one from working harder than his co-worker.

Many Chinese Malaysians are forced to work harder because they know the state is unlikely to subsidise their children's tertiary education or provide handouts in the form of scholarships, access to privileged investment instruments, etc.

Paradoxically, many policies biased towards one race may not work to the advantage of that particular race in the long run. It's nurture, not nature. Man proposes but God disposes.

James Wong noted that at the seminar "many young Malays inquired where and how to learn Mandarin and English, while their Chinese and Indian friends, commanding excellent Bahasa Malaysia listened patiently to Muslims expounding Islamic political theories." But can we also state this in reverse?

In the seminar too a spokesman for a political party calling for a theocratic state claimed that religion adopts 'universal values' so practitioners of other religions need not be alarmed. But if these values are 'universal' then why do the local media and schools not permit the same 'universal values' to be spoken by other religious authorities?

My aim is not to pour cold water on the exuberance of James Wong and his 'young Malaysians'. At least they are putting on their football boots and getting ready for the whistle. While the writer enthuses about moving beyond "mutual tolerance" to "mutually understanding, appreciating and accepting", let me say, first prepare a level playing field to enhance this prospect.