AS I read the letter “Lesson from barber on a more intellectual and non-racial society” (The Star, March 25) by K.W. Liu, Puchong, I became excited and truly delighted at the changes that are taking place in Malaysia.

Being a Malaysian-born and now a Canadian who still has family ties and friends in Malaysia, I have been quite disappointed in the past on a particular matter – the absence of true racial unity. I even shared this after my recent visit to Malaysia with family members and friends as I desire in my heart to bring my message across amongst Malaysians whom I love.

As you continue to read this letter, I hope you will keep an open mind. If I do offend anyone, I humble seek your apology as I merely attempt to bring my message home.

Back in May 2007 when I visited Malaysia, I noticed among the younger generation, it was rare or not many of them have friends or a friend of a different race within their close circle. They tend to stick to their own race.

This is not healthy. Every child should have at least one friend of a different race. Diversity should begin at a friendship level in schools and within their neighbourhood.

By having a friend of each race, say, Ahmad has Kin Mung, Fadzillah, Muthu and Raymond as his circle of friends, not only a sense of “muhibbah” is accomplished but Ahmad will learn and have a better understanding of the different cultures. Ahmad will not only grow to be a better individual but have a greater emotional IQ as he shares and is open to different perspectives of his friends.

Studies have proven that emotional IQ contribute to the success of an individual.

You can understand why I am felling ecstatic. Finally, Malaysians voted for a party or candidate without considering their skin colour or race.

ELIZABETH CRUZ,
Toronto, Canada.

Source: The Star – March 27, 2008