LETTER | Racism is deeply embedded in our national journey into the future. Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s intention to set up yet another Malay political party clearly defines how seriously we are historically rooted in race ideologies.

And let us not pretend with politically-correct statements like claiming that race-based parties will be moderate and inclusive.

The very notion of having racially skewed political parties means there is no inclusivity. Moderate thinking only takes a back seat when we are faced with the raging bull of racist ideologies.

For a nation that has been independent for over six decades, we have not learnt how to nurture and to harness a single nation of "Malaysians".

The "Malay Dilemma" is still very much the deciding rule in Malaysian politics. And Mahathir has just given that nightmare dream yet another new push.

In an age and time where countries are fighting hard against the deadly toxins of racism, we have just added another bullet to our hopes of building a nation based on merit and compassion.

The ugly truth is, in a country built by so many distinct races, cultures, and traditions, we are failing to capitalise on the strengths of acceptance, unity, and harmony that were the glue holding a multiracial society closer together.

Indeed we are stagnating on the clock of creating one nation of people who see each other as Malaysians first and last.

We are being further entrenched along lines of prejudices and divisiveness which in turn will unleash more suspicion and hatred when faced with the precarious 21st-century challenges of politics, geopolitics, economy, environment, and social modifications.

Sad. Very painfully sad as you witness Allahyarham Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman's dreams vaporise slowly but surely.