P Ramasamy writes poignantly that it is "the preponderant role of the Malay hegemonic state that denies democracy, justice and equality to the various nationalities in Malaysia." ([#1] Diabolical game of the Malay hegemonic state [/#], Feb 28) I agree this is a major cause of discontent but as recent political developments show it may not necessarily be the real problem.

If Malay hegemony, which is another way of saying the Malay race, were the real culprit, then I suppose there would be no need to hold Malay unity talks and Anwar Ibrahim would be a free man today. Race alone would have been sufficient grounds for his impunity. The fact is race itself is not enough a motivating factor to make a person do the right thing.

We are all part of a larger human family and despite our relative ethnocentricity, some of us will act according to what we believe is right - if we are people of principle. Conversely, if we are un-principled, we will do wrong (even against those of our own race) if it serves our self-interests. Thus, expediency, not propriety, determines our actions.

Malay hegemony is no excuse for a betrayal of principles and abuse of human rights. The arrest, assault, trial and incarceration of Anwar Ibrahim has been the crucial eye-opener in a country that has hidden behind a deceptive curtain of racial politics, intrigue and excuses. Now Malaysians see glaringly that race is not the real enemy.

By his ordeal, Anwar has unwittingly helped the Malays see the truth and bring together the different races. Without the haze of racism, people see clearly that the root cause of their problems is not race, but evil, the mother of all that is wrong and unjust. Could also his trial and conviction, ironically, have exposed the awful truth that his downfall was actually a conspiracy, as Anwar and his supporters vehemently claim?

Many, like Amnesty International and the US State Department, think so. The fact that they deem him a political prisoner is significant and seem to vindicate his allegation of conspiracy. Such reputable institutions do not make such judgments lightly.

Cardinal principle

Will we see a dramatic change in the quality of government leaders or members of parliament if Barisan Alternatif replaces Barisan Nasional? The people will have to judge. The test of sincerity of leaders is not what they say or who they represent but what they do.

I agree with the writer that "the issue of racial and religious discrimination that is currently perpetrated by the Malay hegemonic state with Umno in charge should be addressed, questioned and dismantled intellectually." It is time for those who have power in such matters to redress the situation for the sake of all Malaysians and the long-term future of the country.

How much more Anwar Ibrahim and other Malaysians who claim they are unjustly treated have to suffer is anyone's guess. As long as they languish in prison they remind us and the world that injustice is alive and well in the country. Justice must not only be done, but be seen to be done; this is a cardinal principle worth remembering if we are concerned about our courts' reputation.

It does not bode well for a country that needs friends and investments to achieve its economic goals if government actions harm the country's image abroad more than the alleged biased reports of critical foreign journalists or a harmless independent online daily like malaysiakini . The question is, do those in power care?

As an observer of what is happening in Malaysia, I am pleased to see that a party like Keadilan is moving in the right direction in being a multi-racial party. I hope it will not be just the Malay version of DAP in the sense of being a party dominated by one race. Nevertheless, the idea of a Barsian Alternatif, that recognises component race-based parties is a letdown, and reminds one too much of the present system.

If the leaders of Keadilan and DAP will allow petty interests to be subsumed by the common objective of winning office, they will be more credible and effective. A marriage of the two bonded by a common cause seems the natural way to go and would symbolise a unity of the country's two major races, something which no single party has accomplished to date. This will be the acid test of whether the parties can show equal commitment to principles as much as they are known to fight for worthy causes.

Protest bus

Few would disagree that 43 unbroken and unfettered years to do as it pleases is a long time for any political party to make its point and mark in history. But do the oppositionists have what it takes to take over and make the critical difference? How different are they from those they want to replace? How far can the protest bus run on the fuel of one angry case of injustice? Perhaps it is answers to such questions that responsible voters are after before they decide if they should jump on the reformasi bandwagon.

Talk of despotism in opposition camps is worrying for nothing is worse than for people to jump from the pan into the fire. The best leaders are humble, open, honest and above all, willing to serve others.

Still, unless there is a clear-cut abandonment of race-based politics, race-based policies and the presumed pre-eminence of a particular race, Malaysia will always flounder in its desire to be a socially cohesive country. If it sounds like wishful thinking, let us not forget that it was also unthinkable years ago that the sultans, the true and traditional symbols of Malay hegemony, could have their powers so curtailed today.

Politics aside, it may also be necessary to ponder if Malaysian society is a just society at all. Often we blame the leaders but what of the led? How different are the citizenry in the execution of their daily duties and responsibilities? How open are they to each other? How prepared are the Malays to relinquish their privileges? How willing are the Chinese to embrace the Malays and Indians and include them in their traditional activities and seek their welfare, not only just those of their own race? The questions go on.

I rather fear unless there is a radical transformation of the people's mindsets, calls for reform affecting only the top are not enough in making a country a just and democratic society. Those who cry out for justice must themselves be seen to be just. To not somehow be different from those they accuse is to be guilty of double standards and hypocrisy.

When people are led by emotions alone and not reason and principles, things can easily get out of hand. Anger is a virtue if it is righteous, if it is not self-gratifying and if it is constructive and does not lead to outright violence as we have seen in Indonesia.

Old habits

I am optimistic Malaysians are on the threshold of something new and exciting. If they are prepared for change - they must uphold good principles and honour good men and women - and act responsibly. Change can take many forms and this includes a government that is prepared to learn from past mistakes and change from within.

The door to true democracy will only open if people knock. There is hope if we discard old habits and practise justice and equality, Otherwise democracy will remain a strange idea no matter who sit on the seats of power.

STEVE OH is a businessman based in Perth and believes in an honest, open, caring and just government.