'What is the agenda of Utusan ? Is its objective to provoke Indian Malaysians to a point where some amongst them do something foolish and that reaction will then justify subsequent and more violent reaction?'

'Keling' - they helped make this country great

David Dass: Lt Col (Rtd) Mohd Idris Hassan has called it as he saw it. He spoke truthfully. Each race made their contribution to the development of the country. There should be appreciation for the efforts made by all. No race deserves the contempt Utusan Malaysia hurls at the Indians. It is so ‘kurang ajar', so unlike the Malays who are usually polite and respectful.

What is the agenda of Utusan ? Is its objective to provoke Indian Malaysians to a point where some amongst them do something foolish and that reaction will then justify subsequent and more violent reaction? This is a dangerous game and if unchecked will set the country in flames.

The owners of the newspaper (Umno) should discipline the editors and sack the writers. The government should take action.

MK Selvaraj: Lt Col, I salute you for speaking as a true Malaysian. I hope a lot more retired officers from various background will come forward and speak as true Malaysians for all Malaysians, regardless of race.

Mammen: To remember and respect the contributions of your fellow Malaysians, that's huge. It's heroes like you that makes me a proud Malaysian.

Moontime: I could never bring myself to call Indians "keling" like my parents did. I believe no one deserved to be called in derogatory terms. The Utusan article was written with the intention to cause uneasiness/turmoil among peace-loving Malaysians. Only a few bigots would agree with the author and that's why readership has fallen drastically over the years.

I remember learning/reading about Sybil Karthigesu and her heroic efforts during the Japanese occupation. She's one of the many unsung Indian heroes/heroines that the MSM (mainstream media) refused to acknowledge. Until and unless Utusan learn how to live harmoniously with other races in this beloved country called Malaysia, the newspaper will always be despised and rejected by rational Malaysians.

Dr Chris Anthony: I salute you, Lt Col. You are a true Malaysian and a true human. Being a proud descendant of those coolies, I am extremely touched by your sense of gratitude and appreciation especially at a time of racism. I am proud of what my coolie ancestors have done for the country.

I think we need to be treated better than what is being done now. I hope and pray that our Umno brothers and sisters will show some appreciation and gratitude for what we have and continuing to do for the nation.

ND2817: I'm speechless... I'm praying sincerely from my bottom of my heart, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Nicole: Sir, Lt Col (Rtd) Mohd Idris Hassan, to say I am proud of you is belittling you. You are a real Malaysian and in this hours of such hot topics being blown out of proportion, you came in as a real warrior to save our beloved country. And this time not from external forces but the people we called our brothers.

I can remember the old kampung days living around makciks, pakciks, nyonyas and their children without looking at the colour - race. We live a real life. Proud to join the ‘kenduri' of neighbours' kids achievements and get a scolding for our wrongdoings, not from our parents but from these makciks and pakciks... I miss those days...

Lt Col (Rtd) Mohd Idris Hassan: Thanks guys for all the kind words. I did really did not expect so much response to the thoughts of an old soldier. I am truly humbled. There is one thing we can all collectively do, that is to speak out when our brethren, irrespective of race, creed, religion or colour are being belittled, humiliated and ill treated.

By doing so, we can keep those who are out to create mischief at bay by giving notice that it is not okay to shoot your mouth without thinking of the repercussion it will have on the feelings of others.

I remember an article in the New Straits Times entitled ‘A total stranger has an ugly name for you' (Oct 15, 1996). It shows a photograph of a Malay man with a haj cap with the word "Blachan" and a photograph of a dark Indian man with the word "Keling".

As much as the Malays don't want to be referred as "Blachan", neither do the Indians want to be called "Keling".