Many readers and Malaysians find it painful that after 50 years after independence, Malaysians are still categoried along racial lines and the Bangsa Malaysia concept has been shot down by even those who promoted it in the first place.

Except for the daring few, many politicians champion race-based policies. Recently, there have been reports in the media about Ketuanan Melayu which MCA Deputy President Dr Chua Soi Lek does not support. Chua supports a Malay leadership though and I think most non-Malays are in sync with his views.

Attempts by Gerakan President Dr Koh Tsu Koon to talk about Malay special rights instead of Ketuanan Melayu also generated controversy. However, until today, many Malaysians are still bewildered what Ketuanan Melayu and Malay special rights really mean.

The Ketuanan Melayu concept was promoted by Umno and I hope Umno can give a clear definition on what it means. Perhaps the Umno supreme council could come out with a clear official definition on what it means so that Malaysians know what it really means.

Provide a clear list and if need be, describe the definition over several pages. This way, all Malaysians will know what it means and there will be no arguments about it. Malaysians can then plan ahead for their economic future and pursue happiness in a way they see fit.

On the definition of Malay special rights as stated in the Malaysian constitution, it is really regrettable that the writers of the constitution of Malaysia did not clearly define what they mean. The word ‘special’ can mean so many things. I hope Umno, PAS PKR, DAP, MCA, MIC and all the other major political parties could debate this in Parliament and state clearly what those rights are, and if need be, come up with a clear list.

If necessary, legislate the meaning of Malay special rights so that there is no question about tha toot. Perhaps the rulers should play a part too. All Malaysians can then plan for their economic future when they are clear about those special rights.

All Malaysians who love their country have no problems about giving 100% respect to the Malay rulers and Malay customs. All regard Islam as the official religion. The non-Malays also have no problems with the concept that all citizens of a country should be accorded equality and all citizens should enjoy equal opportunities as stated under the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Given the barrage of differing interpretations by politicians in our country, many Malaysians are bewildered about what Malay special rights mean. Is Malaysia so different from other countries that the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights cannot apply to us?

I hope all MPs in our country could sit down amicably and legislate the definition of Malay special rights. If the elements of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights cannot apply, state so clearly and state why. This way, we can all move forward as a nation and all Malaysians can plan for their economic future and pursue happiness in a way they see fit.

It is unfortunate that all these years, Malaysians cannot move ahead as one nation without identifying ourselves along racial lines. These concepts of Malay special rights, NEP and Ketuanan Melayu are factors that should be debated in Parliament as they are contributing factors to the uneasiness and split among Malaysians.

These issues point to the soul of our country and how our nation will live together in the years to come. In order to move ahead, we need to come up with clear definitions of what Ketuanan Melayu and Malay special rights mean.

Only then can we move forward; after we are clear about what the two concepts mean. Malaysians can then plan ahead once these definitions are clear. They either will accept them or if they are not comfortable with these hopefully soon-to-be-defined concepts or legislation, they can plan in their own ways for their own future and the future of their children and grandchildren.

The concept of universal equality for all humans is the soul of humanity worldwide but until today, many Malaysians are still unsure of this concept owing to decades of the NEP and differing interpretations by politicians, etc.

It is time to legislate the definition of Malay special rights and as for Ketuanan Melayu , we hope Umno can define what that means first.