As a New Zealander I'd like to respond to the 'attack' on New Zealanders by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. ('PM launches vitriolic attack on the European race')

Just because my ancestors came to New Zealand from England over 150 years ago does not make them or me, evil persons, nor does it make other people of non-Malay origin evil persons. It is true that injustices were committed against the indigenous people of New Zealand by some Europeans but they have long departed from this world.

A country should not be judged and condemned for it's past, but by what it is doing today and what is being done for the future. Dr Mahathir must be aware of the significant efforts that have been made, and continue to be made, to redress those past injustices.

He should also be aware, given his long involvement in international politics, of New Zealand's strong position on human rights, freedom and opposition to oppression and war. The country's economy suffered as a result of it's opposition to the war on Iraq and continues to suffer because of our opposition to nuclear weapons.

Inciting hatred against someone because of who their ancestors, the colour of their skin, or their religion, are all strongly discouraged in New Zealand. It appears that such behaviour is now being actively encouraged in Malaysia - a disappointing legacy for a person who has previously done so much to advance the position of Malaysia.

Dr Mahathir's achievements deserve great recognition and should be viewed as a great example for the future of Malaysia. Maybe the leaders who follow him will follow his previous successes rather than his more recent failures - because such vitriolic attacks should never be seen as an example to follow. I'd hate to see Malaysia judged by its prime minister's recent comments.