It is sad that after 46 years of independence, we are still no better in terms of race relations. Without having to read between the lines, racial polarisation is everywhere. Vision schools to foster better interaction among students of different language schools is no better than a mini version of the three major race-based parties of Barisan Nasional.

So long as the adults still maintain the status quo, with one group having preferential treatment as 'first among equals' (to put it nicely), any attempt at integration will be futile.

Selangor Menteri Besar Mohd Khir Toyo had, in his statement as BN Youth chairperson for Selangor, used the term racial 'tolerance' to describe the present situation, instead of 'acceptance'. Coming from a BN leader, it must be authoritative, yet it shows the lack of commitment on their part to initiate the process of racial integration.

How can they expect today's youth, with their access to international and universal values, to accept unfair treatment, through no fault of theirs? Even recipients of preferential treatment, for example students awarded scholarships by virtue of race, feel uneasy in the company of those sidelined but yet possess better academic results.

I am a victim of 'Bumiputera only' or 'Bumiputera preferred' policy in the 1970s, when the government compelled employers to fill their 30percent quota. Until today, I cannot forgive and forget the unfair treatment.

My children have to face almost the same unfair treatment in education, soon in employment, and later in business opportunities. When are we going to stop this process? I blame the government leaders, not the race. The leaders are collectively responsible for this state of affairs.

Mahathir's exhortation to increase our population to 70 million had been directed at Malays to increase their proportion, which at the present 22 million, had increased effectively from 40 plus percent to over 50 percent. Could it be anything but racial politics?

Even now, the proposed merger of racial MCA with Gerakan, another predominantly Chinese party within BN, and that of MIC, IPF and PPP (predominantly Indian party) has caused alarm among those in Umno.

Because the Malays are split between Umno, PAS, and to a lesser extent, Keadilan, Umno may not be able to counter a united Chinese as well as a united Indian party within the BN. Is this narrow perspective in our national politics necessary?