MP SPEAKS | Ever since independence Malaysia has been ruled by multiracial but predominantly Malay governments.

The Malays form the backbone of the governments simply because Malays make up the majority of the citizens of the country.

But the Malay dominated governments had accorded the non-Malays certain rights which other multiracial countries do not allow.

Thus the other races were allowed to retain their identification with their countries of origin, their languages and cultures, their schools, their NGO’s and civil organisations, their chambers of commerce, associations, assembly halls, sporting teams and clubs etc.

There is no requirement to assimilate with the indigenous Malays and other bumiputras.

The official language is Malay but except in official documents, other languages can be spoken and used in private communication, newspapers, radio and TV and alternative media.

By the same token, Islam is the national (official?) religion but other religions can be adhered to and practiced in...