I refer to the Malaysiakini report Hindraf: Why so few Indian councillors in Perak?

If we continue to harp on racial compositions and representations, then we are going to remain stagnant in our vision and not move towards improving the welfare and progress of all communities.

More councillors from one ethnic group does not guarantee that all matters and affairs pertaining to that community will be well taken care of. I believe the councillors are appointed to serve all Malaysians irrespective of race, creed or religion.

If they are not really doing their jobs and are not seen to be fair and just in exercising their duties, then the people have every right to have them removed from office and get more competent and trustworthy leaders.

One should not be appointed merely because of his fame or fortune in a community but because he or she has the time and willingness to care for and be in the service of the people.

In most cases, the councillors do not have the time to carry out their community service, being tied up with their own businesses or professional affairs thus neglecting the very post they have been appointed to uphold and serve.

It should not be viewed as a glamorous position, just to grace official functions and events. You should have a service centre to hear the public's woes and keep proper records of your activities and services rendered.

A proper monitoring system should be in place to see to it that the appointed councillors are doing their job and not just warming their seats.

Let us change our mindset with the new political change we have worked so hard to create. Give the current councillors a chance to perform.

I am sure they know they have to deliver and will have to start working from the beginning and not be lacklustre like the previous government representatives. Otherwise, we are out of the frying pan into the fire.

Go to your councillors for help and seek assistance no matter who they are. They should do their job and not shirk their responsibilities or think along communal lines. T

They should put forward your request for help if deemed just and deserving.

I would like to recall what the Penang Deputy Chief Minister Prof Ramasamy said to the Indian community who were all coming to him for help after his appointment.

He directed them to go to their own representatives rather than come to him. However, if no help is forthcoming, then to bring these matters to his attention.

Communal politics is a tool that is used to divide and rule, an inheritance of the British colonial powers. It is slowly giving way for a Malaysian way of thinking and unity for a truly Malaysian Malaysia.

It may take a while and we have to be patient for its full benefits to bloom.

BN had 50 years to change this line of thinking but you and I know what was the end result.

Did each communal party really work and struggle for its own community or did they feather their own nests? The answer is no secret.