According to a survey the majority of Malaysians do not trust one another and seek refuge in their own ethnic community. Racial and religious sensitivities run deep in Malaysia.
As acknowledged by our ex-Premier, race and religion remain divisive issues in Malaysia even after fifty years of independence.
My view is that racial harmony has been and will always remained tense .The problem with the communities in Malaysia stems from the different aspirations of the different races in Malaysia.
In this respect, any attempts by the media, politicians- the ruling party and opposition alike-, to flame racial sentiment or to incite racial feelings and suspicion and harp on issues related to race if left unchecked, a repeat of the May 13 tragedy will be imminent.
This is where the government needs to have powerful tools and security measures to enforce law and order in the country. In this aspect, it is without a single doubt that the Sedition Act and the ISA (Internal Security Act) are still relevant to this very day.
Recent calls by the Opposition for unrestricted press freedom and to abolish the Printing Presses and Publications Act as well as to free all ISA detainees are unjustified. As voiced out by Tun Mahathir greater freedom of expression will stoke inter-ethnic tensions.
Matters pertaining to the New Economy Policy, the special positions of the Malays, the National Language Act and Sovereignty of the Rulers should be discussed behind closed doors. The Constitution should be held supreme at all times.
It is a fact that racial awareness will always be in the hearts and minds of the different races here. And it is for this very reason that we have to draw a line in order to foster national unity and racial harmony. And the solution is as simple as this - Do not stir up trouble by discussing sensitive issues. Let sleeping dogs lie.
