RACE RELATIONS: Street demos can lead to racial tension

MORE than anything else, managing race relations has been one of Malaysia's major success stories. May 13, a milestone of racial conflict, used to figure prominently in our consciousness but it is now no longer the case to the extent that we can say it is no longer the spectre it used to be.

While it is no longer a fear factor, the fact remains that we should not be too complacent and takes things for granted. The fragility of our race relations must be fully understood and appreciated. It must not, for instance, be subjected to unnecessary stress tests.

The recent Bersih street demonstration was one such unnecessary test since it could have easily got out of control and created racial tension. Thus far, we are lucky, mainly because the authorities have been very much on top of the situation. It may not always be the case in the future.

The opposition is fully aware of this reality but they are willing to put everything on the line just to create political momentum and to demonstrate their strength. They are oblivious to the serious ramifications of their actions. The fact that they are considering Bersih 4 clearly reflects this blase attitude.

The question every responsible citizen should ask is, why should we be dicing with danger every time the opposition decides to demonstrate?

J. Wong, Kajang, Selangor

RACE RELATIONS: Street demos can lead to racial tension

MORE than anything else, managing race relations has been one of Malaysia's major success stories. May 13, a milestone of racial conflict, used to figure prominently in our consciousness but it is now no longer the case to the extent that we can say it is no longer the spectre it used to be.

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