I disagree with Observer that removal of the word 'keling' from Kamus Dewan is not the right way to educate the public that the term is offensive and derogatory. It certainly isn't the only way, but it's a good start to begin with the official dictionary which children, students and adults use as a reference.

At the end of the day, the affected community has every right to decide on what terms are offensive to them and just as Black Americans have every right to object to the term 'negro', even though the meaning of the term may seem innocent enough and in certain European languages (Spanish or French perhaps), it simply means the colour black.

Of course, removal of the terms 'negro', 'nigger' or 'wog' from every day use in the United States and elsewhere has not made eliminated the discrimination and disadvantages still faced after all these years, but this is a step in the right direction.

At the end of the day, a non-discriminatory, equitable racial and religious policy is the best way to end whatever racial problems and antagonisms which exist in Malaysia (or any country for that matter) and to open the way for a Malaysian consciousness to predominate over narrow racial consciousness.