AS
Southampton
3:37pm Wed Jan 29th, 2003

In response to Hady Hud from Sekretariat Melayu Muda, I agree with some of his views and action.

1)  "Any historian worth his salt will know that there is no basis for comparison between Malaysia today and the segregationist, pre-civil-liberties-movement in the United States".

The segregationist policy in the US is definitely much worse and senseless. But comparison of inequality still stand firm.

2)  "Being a group of young Malay professionals, we are strongly opposed to any attempt to cause a rift between the races in Malaysia. We have always maintained strong cordial relations with our counterpart from other races and we continue to strengthen our relationship based o­n the principles of respect, tolerance and understanding".

I always cheer o­n people who maintain good relationship with people regardless of races.

3) Thanks for choosing a forum rather than making police report.

What I don't agree with is this.

1)  "Having examined the letter and having found it to be full of venomous allegations clearly intended to cause distrust and hostility among the different races in Malaysia, we were appalled by the audacity of malaysiakini to claim it was a comparative analysis based o­n historical facts".

I don't think the letter is intended to sow distrust. It has a note of exasperation and perhaps regret with situation in Malaysia, rather than trying to sow distrust. It is highly emotional no doubt.

What I want to question are:

1) Being a young, understanding, tolerant and progressive group, what is your view o­n the issue of giving privileges to certain Malaysians not because they need help, but because of their race?

2) If you want to close down malaysiakini, can you suggest a more appropriate forum for Malaysians to express our views? The so-called 'proper channel' that the goverment mentioned in the past is non-existent.

3) Have you ever ask your colleagues from other races what they think about the form of affirmative actions that should be implemented in Malaysia, past, present and future? I would like to know how their views affect your philosophy and agenda as a group.

I seriously hope I will get the view of Hady Hud and Sekretariat Melayu Muda. After all, you have choosen a forum to speak your mind.