I would like to make two comments on Abakjr's letter Champion the 'Malaysian' race for unity. Firstly, not being a Muslim, I will take his word that Islam teaches equality. Perhaps, this lesson was just not heeded by some.

To many non-Muslims in this country, it seems that religion in this country has become such a sensitive issue that we cannot have a meaningful dialogue without some people being 'hurt' or 'insulted' even though none was intended. If only we can look beyond our own religions to see and respect other viewpoints as well.

With regard to how we can achieve unity as a nation, we have the assimilation model advocated by Abakjr, and an alternative model of unity in diversity as practised in Australia. I think it would be very difficult to get a large minority community to be assimilated by the majority. Are Thailand and Indonesia adopting this model? I believe all Thai nationals have to adopt a Thai name and their mother tongues are only spoken at home (if at all).

As a Malaysian visiting Thailand, my Thai friends tell me that there is still some identification of the Chinese Thais to commerce, though I haven't heard of a Thai equivalent of the New Economic Plan. Can anyone out there enlighten us on the true situation in Thailand with regard to racial unity? I still remember the victimisation of Chinese Indonesian females a few years back. How well have the various racial communities in Indonesia accepted each other?

In any case, assimilation of a minority would still be a long drawn-out process. After more than five centuries, the Peranakan Chinese still practise some of their traditions and culture though they have assimilated with the local population to a large degree. How far can we go with a large Chinese and Indian Malaysian population in under 50 years? Finally, will there be any assurance that everyone will be treated equally if there is full assimilation?

I understand that the Australian 'unity in diversity' model was working rather well in the past. While we may hear of people like Pauline Hanson, at least no political party, let alone the ruling party had come out to advocate the burning of buildings belonging to minorities and to bathe in their blood. Of course, this was before Bali. I wonder how much has changed since then.

I do agree with Abakjr in that all races must work together to foster unity. It certainly doesn't help to have racial extremism in our midst, be it Chinese, Indian or Malay. Let us live and let live.