I feel very strongly that the latest blast by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a very cynical political move (PM stands by remarks likening Suqiu to 'communists', Dec 11). He is now prepared to sacrifice the Chinese vote to ensure that Umno recaptures the Malay heart.

I am very concerned that the latest outburst is actually carefully calibrated and designed to elicit a strong response from Suqui so that he can bring it to the next level and that is to unleash the thugs in Umno Youth to create some disturbance.

The press can be counted on to raise the temperature on real or perceived issues. The point has been reached where I think that Mahathir feels there are higher stakes than loss of lives and that of course is Malay unity.

I urge all parties to refrain from fanning the flames. Keeping silent at this point is the best strategy.