As the young Malaysian squad shone to reach the semi-finals of the Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland last week, off the court, someone ignited a racial storm.
Borhan Che Rahim, a former Bersatu divisional leader from Kelantan, was alleged to have used derogatory words on Facebook against S. Kisona following her loss to world No 5 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan.
In making the remarks, he had also allegedly questioned from which estate the BA of Malaysia (BAM) had selected Kisona from.
This sparked a backlash from the Malaysian public as the Youth and Sports Minister, the BAM, coaches and fans condemned Borhan.
Kisona's father, A. Selvaduray has also made a police report on the matter.
We learned something very valuable from this — that there is no place for racism and bigotry in our multiracial society.
Amid this sad episode, the troubling question remains: Are we really doing enough to eradicate racism from our society?
Kisona, 23, is not the only athlete in Malaysia to endure such racial slurs. There are others in other sports who have to put up with this nastiness.
I had also been subjected to racist taunts during my schooldays.
Not nobody is born a racist or a bigot but they can morph into one over time. If this problem is not nipped in the bud, it can fester and get worse.
I am a strong believer that education starts at home. Parents, who grew up with derogatory terms mocking other people, must educate the future generations on the vileness of racism.
We must teach our children that we are Malaysians first above all other things, and that our difference and diversity are what make us so special.
We must know that there is no such thing as a superior race. Period.
Schools must play a more active role in educating students on the danger of racism. Sure, it won't be easy, but it has to be done, it must be done.
Having been fortunate enough to visit other countries, I have seen diverse cultures thriving in harmony.
We need acceptance and tolerance to be able to embrace "Keluarga Malaysia".
The authorities need to act. Do something. Don't let the racists or bigots spoil the big happy family that this country aspires to be.