Banish race and religion hate-monggers

Despite what many have cried out against. Despite what the Regent of Perak has so wisely and with clear conscience pointed out with a hint of warning. Despite the writings on the wall. Despite the race riots of 1969.

Despite all these, the nation continues to experience so much of focus on race and religion along divisive boundaries.

Do the foolish politicians and dumb citizens who keep jostling for political mileage not realize that they are truly the nation's number on enemy? Of course they do not care.

Why is the nation's leadership unable to act decisively and full of power against anyone who even hints of racial and religious slight?

In the first place the Indians and Chinese of Malaysian citizenship are not immigrants. They are the sons and daughters of early settlers. Do they not want to recognize the very fact that this beloved land was even called The Straits Settlement by the 'white rajahs' of a bygone era?

So why are we getting warped in racial rights when we should be debating citizens' rights?

And what is all this clamoring about whose god and religion is more superior or truer? Please, we are not living in caves --- or are we still?

Why is the government of the day so gungho about ketuanan-ism? Do the leaders not have the courage, mindset, and conviction to declare that Malaysia is for ALL Malaysians?

Why are we still tearing each other up by pitting one 'race' against another with all kinds of political rhetoric?

Please stop destroying this land that belongs to all Malaysians. Do not even entertain thoughts of "we gave citizenship" in your minds. For therein lies the nation's true enemy which will bring this country down beyond recognition.

Many have expressed their concerns. Many have demanded for equality for all citizens irrecs[pective of creed, color and party allegiance.

Many have demonstrated that at the village level and down the streets of every township, Malaysians accept each other with respect and honor.

But the picture that politicians and their stooges paint or keep drumming up is the direct opposite of the peace and love that Malaysians want, share and uphold. Why?

Perhaps it is time for the revered Rulers of this fragile nation got together and issued an ultimatum: Either shut up and shape up or face 'buang negeri'.

If we continue fanning this race and religion fire ceaselessly, this nation will be doomed. We do not need ISA to fight this war. Just banish the racists and religious freaks. After all there are only so many of those terrors of Malaysia.

Perhaps all the religious leaders and heads of all faiths in the country should hold a common day of prayer expressing the trust, honor, peace and respect shared by all their faithfull. And the media should give widespread publicity to this event.

That should shut the devil's advocates for a start. Next, our trusted Rulers must convene to pass an edict.

Otherwise, soon one day all may be lost and the shambles to share is what would be left to cry over. Do we want this?

- J. D. Lovrenciear, Semenyih