YOURSAY ‘We must douse the racial fire before it becomes a major catastrophe.’

Dont Just Talk: Social integration starts from a very young age and at home. Parents are the mentors, but while in school this role is played by teachers. Acceptance of other religions and cultures should be taught, both at home and in school.

That we have school teachers telling non-Malay students to go back to China or India if they are not happy with Malaysia, is to a certain extent caused by civil servants attending courses with Biro Tatanegara (National Civics Bureau or BTN), which should have emphasised more on racial tolerance and respect.

During the holy month of Ramadan, school canteens should remain open like during the yesteryears of the 60s,70s and 80s for the benefit of the non-Muslims who do not fast.

In so doing, the respect shown by non-Muslim students to their Muslim friends will be enhanced. Be humble and learn from Singapore, why is their social integration amongst various races working so much better than Malaysia?

Anonymous #13114320: Yes, education is important and it is the job of all teachers, to cultivate an inclusive culture.

It is a must that all teachers must be trained and signed a pledge to wipe out racism in schools and they must made to understand that they will be punished if they are suspected of uttering or acting in a manner that is deemed racist.

You can’t change some racist parents but you could try make their children open up to all races.

The premier’s brother, Nazir Abdul Razak, is correct. Without criminalising racism, there will be some people who instill hatred and cause unnecessary tension. You must douse the fire before it becomes a major catastrophe.

FutureMalaysians: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) students Nadia Habib and Nabilah Habib, this is a great article which provides food for thought. Thank you both.

Anonymous #40538199: We should start to build a civil society that upholds the rule of law.

We must discard the idea that crime committed by our own race is more forgiveable than the same crime committed by another race, or the thief can only be apprehended by his or her own race, otherwise it is deemed victimisation or racial bullying.

The country will go down the drain if we still think that only race-based political parties can protect our interests.

Anonymous_1386743292: Racism is not limited to bumiputeras alone. Non-bumiputras are also active participants.

Just check out the comment section of various blogs and one one can find numerous racist statements from non-bumiputeras.

RatBatBlue: This is a well-meaning article, which spells hope for the future of the country. Nothing comes easy.

The concept of national unity has to be worked on very diligently by all races. Racists exist on both sides of the divide in this country - there is no denying that. Even in the comments here, two sides of the coin could be seen.

That there could be strong bonds of unity in the horizon could be seen when it comes to international sports - no matter which race excels internationally, the nation stands as a whole solidly behind the participant (Lee Chong Wei being an example). Also, whenever we are overseas, we tend to identify as Malaysians.

Whatever is said and done, the younger generation has to take those giant steps and bridge the chasms which politicians have created in our society. They (politicians) have used race and religion to further their agendas.

Dizzer: Well done on reading ‘Hitch-22'; it's a wonderful memoir from a committed atheist and leftist. I'm assuming Christopher Hitchens' books are not on sale in UIA's library?

His comment on the stupidity of racism is well made, but not half as damning as his attacks on the stupidity of superstition (i.e. all religions).

Tan Kim Keong: Well done, Nadia and Nabila Habib! An excellent piece. I hope both of you could also get this published in Utusan Malaysia and that it will be used by BTN.

I am Muslim First, M'sian First and Malay First

Goks: Prof Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi, God bless you and your family. Our country needs leaders like you.

We, non-Muslims, are too insignificant to change the country, it has to come from well-read minds like you and we will be 100 percent behind you.

Wsoi: If you can’t understand the depth and breadth of Prof Mohamad Tajuddin’s thinking, please don’t say a word of comment.

I read his text with inspiration and respect for his vast experience and capacity to reveal the truth in words that matter to all Malaysians, now and into the future.

I sincerely want to thank the prof for his words of wisdom and I think everyone should use his thoughts as fundamental facts towards building a stronger, united and peaceful Malaysia.

Truly Malaysian: Thank you, prof. It does not matter how we classify ourselves as long as we behave honourably and serve the goodness of humanity.

Consciously Malaysian: I agree - the moment I chose to return to Malaysia and not be a permanent resident in the United States, I became a true Malaysian not just a born-in-Malaysia ‘pendatang’.

Likewise, we were told regarding water baptism - if we did not truly believe, then such an act just turned us from dry sinner to a wet one.

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