Racial disunity gaining momentum

Racial disunity gaining momentum

I was impressed by your report “Khoo Kay Kim – The lonely bridge builder”, (NST, Feb19).

I for one admire Professor Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim for earnestly championing racial unity in the country and fully understand his depression over what is happening today. He can rest assured that he is not alone in this feeling of frustration and despair. In fact there are millions of Malaysians out there, the so called silent majority, who share his feelings but unable to anything about it.

I agree that communal ties are at their most delicate in nearly four decades. It is terrifying to realize that how easily racial and religious sentiments can be aroused by the powers that be for political advantage.

The education system which has become more communal despite its supposed non-ethnic and non-religious status is the main reason for the growing division between the races.

Initially we had all races studying together in one class, and then they were segregated by race for the purpose of religious and moral classes, resulting in students of same race grouping together, but under the same roof. Today we have taken another retrograde step – each race studying in own vernacular schools under separate roofs and rarely do they ever come together.

We need to revamp the education system to return it to its original status and aspirations of unifying the races through the national schools. Pupils of all races must be placed in one class so that they can interact freely with one another. Emphasis on their common identities rather than the differences should be encouraged. There should also be a racially balanced mixture of teachers in all our national schools. It is common knowledge that if there is diversity in the same environment then there will be more tolerance and goodwill.

We need politicians who are true national leaders not ethnic champions. In the sixties every citizen looked up to the politicians as Malaysian leaders but now we consider them as leader of the Malays, Chinese or Indians. Even the prime minister, who should be the leader of all races, is now seen as the leader of the Malays only.

If we want to survive in this globalize world, we Malaysians regardless of race, must unite and pool our resources and expertise so as to remain competitive.

Like Professor Khoo, we too yearn for the day when Malaysians will share a single identity, which gauging by present developments in the country, is fast eluding us. Our aspirations of a united Malaysia are not being appreciated by the present generation who are taking over the reigns of power.

Dr.Chris Anthony
Butterworth