opinion

Over the past several years, Malaysians from the Malay and Chinese ethnic groups have engaged in a war of words with one another over the issue of the Malay special rights more dramatically than at any time previously.

Yet one thing is plain enough. Having gone to the brink, they have all learned sobering lessons about the nature of the conflicts as well as one another's bottom-line positions. And that fosters a measure of mutual respect, if not trust - despite rhetoric to the contrary.

Above all, these confrontations have instilled a greater sense of realism in those ethnic groups. The biggest lesson is how delicate and volatile the relationship between the ethnic groups can be.

All sides have learned that a major flare-up is likely unless the balance is managed with the utmost care and sensitivity. They now know such an eventuality cannot be allowed to happen. That should deter the recurrence of miscalculations that lead to the May 13, 1969 tragedy. On that day, political ideologies clashed and led to bloodshed and mayhem

It also provides the most forceful reminder that Malaysia will not tolerate politicking based on racial sentiment beyond a certain point. It has also drawn a line that will make the leaders think many times before crossing it again.

Willing to fine-tune

Both the ethnic groups - the Malays and Chinese - had been testing those limits since the early 1990s by raising up the issue on the Malay special rights, provided for under the Federal Constitution.

The Chinese have hoisted much aboard. They have felt the full force of domestic opprobrium over their muscle-flexing on the issue. But these recent events have also given both Malay and Chinese leaders insights into popular sentiments in the country.

Even during the tensest time of crises, both the Malays and the non-Malays seemed willing to fine-tune their understanding of each other's positions. What next? Signs are that the incipient improvement in their relations may bear fruit.

Umno and MCA, both the major component parties in Barisan Nasional (BN), have been moving to counter criticism that they lack a coherent policy for the major ethnic groups in Malaysia.

This will not only help resolve the two ethnic group's many differences but also stop misunderstandings from festering. Such an agreement may be the best way to prevent more storms in Malaysia's multiracial society.

Political war

At first glance, it might seem that the Suqiu's 1999 elections appeal was all about politics. But the action is only a spark that ignited long-simmering grievances. Even if they find a solution to it, other complaints will remain.

They include the limited places for non-Malays in the local universities and the lack of business opportunities for them. Also problems relating to the Chinese vernacular schools.

Suqiu can continue to voice out its dissatisfaction, or stop doing so, in which case someone else will do it. Either way, the issues will go on for many years to come.

The complaints have, however, raised anew basic questions about the future of the country's multiracial society. It is time the government faced up to the implications of these trends.

Non-Malays, particularly the Chinese and Indians, are a needed and welcome presence in Malaysia because historical antagonism, as well as rivalries rooted in the existing political war, have conspired to divide the Malays from others.

Security stool

While the Malays are ready and able to help maintain the balance of power, the Chinese and Indian dominated component parties in the BN must start taking decisive steps towards establishing collective support.

The first move, clearly, must be dialogue among them - friendly but frank talks that will help the major ethnic groups understand one another's security concerns. This will help build mutual trust, an essential ingredient for multiracial unity.

Talk is growing of the Malaysia's security stool with four legs - Malays, Chinese, Indians and minorities - that would provide for a equal balance of power among the major races.

NASH RAHMAN is former chief news editor of Berita Harian , former editor of the now defunct daily Watan and former associate editor of The Sun .