I AM impressed by Datuk Ong Tee Keat’s remarks that the Malaysian Chinese Association needs to adopt a more multiracial outlook or face the risk of extinction (”MCA needs multiracial outlook” — NST, May 5).

Malaysia needs a mindset change to progress towards becoming a developed nation. The first step is to share a vision which is bold and pragmatic and not be negative in our outlook. The MCA will become irrelevant if it is narrow in its thinking and afraid of change.

In order to progress politically, economically and socially, we should support parties or individuals who address issues and seek solutions from a non-racial perspective. The results of the recent general election have erased many negative perceptions of Malaysians towards one another. In a way, the change will also reduce racial polarisation in this country.

This new political scenario augurs well for Malaysia. We should be proud and continue to foster greater understanding and unity in this nation.

Whenever I am overseas and people ask me who I am and where I am from, I always say that I am a Malaysian and not a Chinese. I would like to suggest that whenever we fill up forms we should just write “Malaysian” — not “Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans” etc. National integration and unity can only be attained and sustained when we truly say and mean we are Malaysians.

All our policies should be implemented on a need basis and not based on race.

Perhaps a day will come when political parties will no longer be race-based or religion-based. The future of Malaysia and its future generations depends on the boldness of the present generation to speak up responsibly without fear or favour on the issues affecting every Malaysian.

Although it is a wake-up call for the government, we should all accept the results of the election. Since Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is the prime minister, he should be given a chance to continue leading the nation. He should not be asked to step down as the outcome of any election is a collective responsibility.

DATUK DAVID YEOH, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – May 12, 2008