COMMENT | The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us a lot of things, including the spirit of belonging that tends to emerge stronger during difficult times. Malaysia may not be perfect, but for a long time, we were recognised as a multiracial country capable of its citizens living in harmony.

The emergence of the pandemic has also taught us another lesson. That racism in Malaysia is reinforced by the issue of social class, where people are segregated by the social classes they belong to.

I do not deny the existence of race-based division, but class-based discrimination is a far more chronic issue. There are those among the elite class who have lost sight of the plight of the working class affected by the pandemic.

Unfortunately, the elite class are usually the biggest stakeholders in drawing up the plans and policies for the country. It is for this very reason that such government plans and policies often benefit the elite class...