The Chinese in Malaysia, I am sure, will welcome Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's speech at the Foochow World Convention on Dec 17. His words are a welcome change from the usual politics of threat delivered by politicians when touching on issues of race and religion. We are glad to receive these assurances from him, and we look forward to seeing him succeeding Dr Mahathir Mohamad as our prime minister.

We agree with him that as Malaysians we all want to live in peace without fear, we seek an opportunity to prosper without having to resort to petty party politics. I would like to commend Pak Lah for being able to rise above party politics in his admonishing of groups who resort to "play-acting" and communalism in trying to gain support.

As a young Chinese I have every hope for the future of my country and in my leaders; they have done well, for I have travelled far and wide, and have seen far worse in countries that purport to be far more liberal and more developed. The Chinese in Malaysia live with far greater freedom than the Chinese in China. I may not understand what the social contract is about, but it has yet to dampen my spirits, nor has it stopped me from doing my best in all spheres of living.

For the sake of a greater Malaysia, I plead with all my Malaysian "brothers" and "sisters" to not jeapordise all that our forefathers have worked for. Let us work together with Pak Lah and all our leaders to ensure peace and stability is maintained. The deputy prime minister's advice is timely and I urge whoever is behind Suqiu to stop, think and contribute to Malaysia's well-being by action and not just empty rhetoric.

To Malay groups who purport to represent their community, understand your environment, it is a changing one, what may have relevance before may no longer, be so today. At the very least the approach should be one which is creative, intelligent, and easier to swallow.

The Chinese too should understand that there are political realities which one has to contend with in Malaysia as in most countries. Although I find nothing wrong in submitting appeals, I am disappointed that they chose to present it in a manner which can be seen as threatening.

As the deputy prime minister has pointed out, to progress, we must learn from our past mistakes. National integration is not easy, and there are always sensitivities with regard to race, especially when it concerns our elders who have sacrificed much to negotiate a social contract of mutual understanding between the different communities. To attempt to change that social contract would require renegotiation in a spirit of mutual goodwill.

Any attempt to force change will be resisted - this is understandable as it is part of human nature. The Malays have proven by nature to be accommodating by accepting us, so we too must be as accommodating in our appeals.